Quick answer
Return selected columns from a range.
=CHOOSECOLS(A2:F100,1,3,6)Example data layout
Use a small table first, confirm the result, then copy the formula down the column.
| Input | Helper value | Result |
|---|---|---|
| A2 | B2 | Formula result |
| A3 | B3 | Copied formula result |
Copy-paste examples
Beginner
Basic CHOOSECOLS example
=CHOOSECOLS(A2:F100,1,3,6)Adjust the cell references to match your worksheet layout.
Beginner
CHOOSECOLS copied down rows
=CHOOSECOLS(A3:F100,1,3,6)Adjust the cell references to match your worksheet layout.
Intermediate
CHOOSECOLS with clean fallback
=IFERROR(CHOOSECOLS(A2:F100,1,3,6),"")Adjust the cell references to match your worksheet layout.
Intermediate
CHOOSECOLS with structured references
=CHOOSECOLS([@Input]:F100,1,3,6)Adjust the cell references to match your worksheet layout.
Advanced
CHOOSECOLS with dynamic data
=CHOOSECOLS(A2:F100,1,3,6)Adjust the cell references to match your worksheet layout.
Advanced
CHOOSECOLS inside a report formula
=LET(result,CHOOSECOLS(A2:F100,1,3,6),result)Adjust the cell references to match your worksheet layout.
Step-by-step tips
- Paste the formula into the first result cell.
- Replace sample references like A2, B2, or Table1 with your real cells or table columns.
- Test the formula on two or three rows before copying it down.
- Format the result column as Number, Date, Currency, or Percentage when needed.
- Keep a backup copy of your original data before applying formulas across a large range.
Common mistakes
- Using text values where Excel expects numbers or dates.
- Forgetting quotation marks around text criteria.
- Copying a formula without locking fixed references using dollar signs.
- Applying the wrong number format and thinking the formula is wrong.