CHOOSE
Lookup & Reference
Returns a value from a list based on an index number.
Translations
EnglishCHOOSE
FrenchCHOISIR
SpanishELEGIR
GermanWAHL
ItalianSCEGLI
PortugueseESCOLHER
DutchKIEZEN
PolishWYBIERZ
RussianВЫБОР
TurkishSEÇME
CzechZVOLIT
HungarianVÁLASZT
SwedishVÄLJ
DanishVÆLG
FinnishVALITSE
Syntax
CHOOSE(index_num, value1, [value2], ...)Arguments
index_numPosition to return (1-254)value1First choicevalue2Additional choices(optional)
Examples
=CHOOSE(2,"A","B","C")B
Returns second value
=CHOOSE(WEEKDAY(A1),"Sun","Mon","Tue","Wed","Thu","Fri","Sat")Day name
Converts weekday number to name
=CHOOSE(A1,B1,C1,D1)Dynamic selection
Selects cell based on index
Tips & Best Practices
- •Index must be 1 to 254
- •Can return ranges for other functions
- •Alternative to nested IFs
Common Mistakes
- •Forgetting the index_num argument is 1-based, not 0-based - CHOOSE(1,...) returns the first value listed, not the second
- •Passing an index_num outside the range of values provided, which returns a #VALUE! error rather than the closest valid option
- •Using CHOOSE for a lookup task that INDEX or a direct cell reference would handle more simply, when CHOOSE is really meant for picking between a small, fixed set of hardcoded options
Related Functions
INDEXRetrieves a value from a range by position, a more flexible alternative for larger or dynamic lists than CHOOSE's hardcoded options.IFHandles a simple two-option choice, while CHOOSE scales better to three or more options.SWITCHSelects a result by matching a value directly, often clearer than CHOOSE when the index isn't already a simple 1, 2, 3 sequence.Frequently Asked Questions
Is CHOOSE's index 0-based or 1-based?
1-based - CHOOSE(1,"a","b","c") returns "a", the first item, not the second.
What happens if I give CHOOSE an index number that's too high?
It returns a #VALUE! error - there's no option 5 in a list of three, for example.
When should I use CHOOSE instead of IF or SWITCH?
CHOOSE works well for a small, fixed set of options tied to a numeric index, like scenario 1, 2, or 3. For matching against specific values or names, SWITCH is usually clearer.
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