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CHOOSE Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The CHOOSE function dynamically selects and returns one value from a predefined list based on a numeric index. It's like a menu selector that picks exactly which item you want based on your position number, perfect for creating flexible lookups and conditional value returns without nested IF statements.

Syntax

CHOOSE(index_num, value1, [value2], ...)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
index_num	`Number`	Yes	The selection position (1-254) or cell reference containing a number in that range
value1	`Any`	Yes	Required first choice value
value2	`Any`	No	Optional second choice value
...	`Any`	No	Up to 253 additional optional choice values

Using the CHOOSE Function

CHOOSE serves as Excel's versatile value selector, ideal for scenarios where you need to return specific values based on position rather than matching criteria. Use it for creating custom menus, dynamic range selection in formulas, weekday name lookups, or any situation requiring indexed value retrieval.

Common CHOOSE Examples

Basic Position Selection

=CHOOSE(2, "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday")

Returns 'Tuesday' as the 2nd position value from the list.

Week Day Lookup

=CHOOSE(WEEKDAY(A1), "Sun", "Mon", "Tue", "Wed", "Thu", "Fri", "Sat")

Returns full weekday name based on date in A1 using WEEKDAY position.

Dynamic Range Sum

=SUM(A1:CHOOSE(2,B1:B3,C1:C3,D1:D3))

Sums range A1:C3 because CHOOSE(2,...) selects C1:C3 as endpoint.

Menu Style Selection

=CHOOSE(D1, "Poor", "Fair", "Good", "Excellent", "Outstanding")

Returns grade text based on numeric position in cell D1.

Frequently Asked Questions

#VALUE! error is returned. Index must be between 1 and number of value arguments.

Yes, CHOOSE can return range references that other functions can then process.

Decimals are truncated to the next lower integer before selection.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! error

Cause: index_num < 1 or > number of values, or index_num isn't numeric

Solution: Verify index_num range (1 to value count) and ensure it's numeric

Unexpected results with ranges

Cause: CHOOSE returns entire range reference, not summed values

Solution: Wrap with SUM, AVERAGE, etc. if you need range calculations

Notes

Maximum 254 value arguments total
Array indexes evaluate all CHOOSE instances
Perfect companion for WEEKDAY, MONTH functions
Use with defined names for cleaner formulas
Evaluated left-to-right regardless of index

Compatibility

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

Not available in:

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