Part II: Working with Formulas and Functions
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FIGURE 10.6The Function Arguments dialog box.
Tip
Yet another way to insert a function while you’re entering a formula is to use the Function List to the left of the
Formula bar. When you’re entering or editing a formula, the space typically occupied by the Name box dis-
plays a list of the functions you’ve used most recently. After you select a function from this list, Excel displays
the Function Arguments dialog box. n
Function entry tips ..................................................................................................
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when you use the Insert Function dialog box to
enter functions:l You can use the Insert Function dialog box to insert a function into an existing formula.
Just edit the formula and move the insertion point to the location at which you want to
insert the function. Then open the Insert Function dialog box (using any of the methods
described earlier) and select the function.
l You can also use the Function Arguments dialog box to modify the arguments for a func-
tion in an existing formula. Click the function in the Formula bar and then click the Insert
Function button (the fx button, to the left of the Formula bar).l (^) If you change your mind about entering a function, click the Cancel button.
l How many boxes you see in the Function Arguments dialog box depends on the number
of arguments used in the function you selected. If a function uses no arguments, you
won’t see any boxes. If the function uses a variable number of arguments (such as the
AVERAGE function), Excel adds a new box every time you enter an optional argument.
l As you provide arguments in the Function Argument dialog box, the value of each argu-
ment is displayed to the right of each box.
l A few functions, such as INDEX, have more than one form. If you choose such a function,
Excel displays another dialog box that lets you choose which form you want to use.