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INFO Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The Excel INFO function returns specific details about the current Excel operating environment, including version information, recalculation mode, system details, and workbook statistics. It's primarily used for compatibility with legacy spreadsheet applications and environment diagnostics.

Syntax

INFO(type_text)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
type_text	`Text`	Yes	Required text parameter determining which environment information to return. Valid values include: "directory", "numfile", "origin", "osversion", "recalc", "release", "system"

Using the INFO Function

INFO retrieves metadata about the Excel session environment. Use it to dynamically adapt formulas based on Excel version, detect calculation mode, or gather system details for compatibility checking. Common in migration projects from older spreadsheet software.

Common INFO Examples

Get Number of Worksheets

=INFO("numfile")

Returns the total count of worksheets across all currently open workbooks.

Check Recalculation Mode

=INFO("recalc")

Displays "Automatic" or "Manual" based on current calculation settings.

Excel Version Info

=INFO("release")

Returns detailed version string of current Microsoft Excel installation.

Operating System Detection

=INFO("system")

Returns "pcdos" for Windows or "mac" for Macintosh environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Path of the current directory specified in Excel's 'At startup, open all files in' option (File > Options > Advanced > General).

Memory-related values ("memavail", "memused", "totmem") were removed in modern Excel versions and now return #N/A errors.

No, the INFO function is not supported in Excel for the Web.

Common Errors and Solutions

#N/A! Error

Cause: Invalid type_text value or deprecated memory parameters used

Solution: Use only supported type_text values: directory, numfile, origin, osversion, recalc, release, system

#VALUE! Error

Cause: type_text not enclosed in quotes

Solution: Always use double quotes around type_text parameter

Notes

Not available in Excel for the Web
Designed for Lotus 1-2-3 compatibility (origin parameter)
Deprecated memory functions return #N/A
Case-sensitive type_text values required
Results depend on current Excel window scroll position for origin

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in: Excel for the Web, Excel 2003 and earlier (limited support)

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+