Quick Answer

CHOOSE Function

Returns the nth value from a list.

Syntax

CHOOSE

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

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Required
index_num	A number (1 to 254) selecting which value to return.	Required
value1	The first value, cell, or formula in the list.	Required
value2	Additional values, cells, or formulas (optional, up to 254 total).	Optional

Basic Example

Pick a color by index

=CHOOSE(2,"Red","Green","Blue")

ResultGreen

index_num 2 selects the second value in the list, "Green".

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Map a number to a name

Cell A1 holds a rating 1-3

Convert a score to a label

=CHOOSE(A1,"Low","Medium","High")

Result: Label matching the rating

The numeric rating directly indexes the matching descriptive text.

Example 2: Drive a calculation

Choose which formula to run

Return a computed result

=CHOOSE(B1,SUM(A1:A5),AVERAGE(A1:A5),MAX(A1:A5))

Result: Result of the selected function

CHOOSE evaluates and returns only the selected branch, so different stats can be switched by B1.

How CHOOSE Works

CHOOSE uses index_num as a 1-based position into the supplied value list and returns that single item. Only the selected item is evaluated, which can avoid errors in unused branches.

1

Order your values

List items in the order index numbers will reference.

2

Set the index

Provide a number or cell that picks the position.

3

Enter CHOOSE

Type =CHOOSE(index, list...) and press Enter.

Important Notes & Limitations

index_num must be between 1 and the number of values; otherwise it returns #VALUE!.
Cannot accept a range as the list directly; values must be listed individually (unlike INDEX).
Lists are static; adding options requires editing the formula.

Common Errors & Fixes

#VALUE! errorindex_num is less than 1, greater than the list length, or non-numeric.

Fix: Ensure index_num is an integer within the list range.

Download Practice File

Practice CHOOSE with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the CHOOSE function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Related Functions

HLOOKUP

Looks up a value across rows (horizontal search).

INDEX

INDEX retrieves a value from a specific row and column in a range.

INDIRECT

Turns text that looks like a cell reference into an actual reference.

MATCH

MATCH finds the position of a value in a range.

OFFSET

Returns a range shifted by a given number of rows and columns from a starting point.

TRANSPOSE

Flips rows and columns of an array.

Frequently Asked Questions

CHOOSE vs INDEX?

CHOOSE takes an explicit list of values; INDEX can select from a range by position.

What if index_num is out of range?

It returns #VALUE!.

Can CHOOSE run different formulas?

Yes, it evaluates only the selected branch, so you can switch calculations.