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TAKE Function

Excel 365, Excel 2021

Summary

The Excel TAKE function extracts a specified number of contiguous rows and/or columns from the beginning or end of an array. It's perfect for grabbing the top N rows, first N columns, bottom N rows, or any combination from your data ranges without manual copying or OFFSET formulas.

Syntax

TAKE(array, rows,[columns])

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
array	`Array`	Yes	Source array/range containing the data
rows	`Number`	Yes	Rows to extract (positive=start, negative=end)
columns	`Number`	No	Optional columns to extract (positive=start, negative=end)

Using the TAKE Function

TAKE revolutionizes array manipulation by letting you precisely slice data from any array's edges. Use it to display recent sales, top performers, or preview data samples without complex INDEX formulas or manual range adjustments.

Common TAKE Examples

Extract First 2 Rows

=TAKE(A2:C10,2)

Returns first two rows from range A2:C10 (rows 1,2)

Extract First 2 Columns

=TAKE(A2:C10,,2)

Returns first two columns from range A2:C10 (columns A,B)

Extract Last 3 Rows

=TAKE(A2:C10,-3)

Returns last three rows from range A2:C10 (rows 8,9,10)

Extract Top-Left 2x2

=TAKE(A2:C10,2,2)

Returns top-left 2 rows × 2 columns from range

Extract Bottom-Right 3x1

=TAKE(A2:E10,-3,1)

Returns last 3 rows from final column only

Frequently Asked Questions

Negative values extract from the array's end. -1 = last row/column, -2 = last 2 rows/columns.

Yes! TAKE works perfectly with spill arrays from UNIQUE, FILTER, SORT, etc.

TAKE extracts from edges; DROP removes from edges, keeping the middle portion.

Common Errors and Solutions

#CALC! error

Cause: rows or columns argument is 0

Solution: Use 1 or greater (or negative values); 0 creates empty array

#NUM! error

Cause: Array too large for extraction

Solution: Reduce array size or use smaller row/column numbers

#VALUE! error

Cause: rows/columns not numeric

Solution: Ensure numeric values for row/column arguments

Notes

Available only in Excel 365 and Excel 2021
Supports arrays up to 1,048,576 rows × 16,384 columns
Works with both single ranges and dynamic array formulas
Empty result when extraction exceeds array boundaries

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 365, Excel 2021

Not available in: Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010, Excel 2007

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 365, Excel 2021