CHOOSE returns a value from a list based on a position number.
Syntax
=CHOOSE(index_num, value1, value2, ...)
Basic example
=CHOOSE(2, "Low", "Medium", "High") returns Medium, because it is the second value.
Turn a number into a name
If B2 holds 1 to 7:
=CHOOSE(B2, "Mon", "Tue", "Wed", "Thu", "Fri", "Sat", "Sun")
Scenario switch
Pick a scenario number in a cell and let CHOOSE return the right growth rate:
=CHOOSE(B1, 5%, 8%, 12%)
Quarter from a date
=CHOOSE(MONTH(A2), "Q1","Q1","Q1","Q2","Q2","Q2","Q3","Q3","Q3","Q4","Q4","Q4")
CHOOSE with other functions
- With
WEEKDAY to name the day.
- With
MATCH to turn text into a number first.
- With
VLOOKUP to switch between lookup columns.
If the index is outside the list, you get #VALUE!. For ranges of values (like grade bands) use IFS or a lookup table instead.
Worked example
Day number 1 to 3 in A2. =CHOOSE(A2,"Low","Medium","High") returns Medium for 2. With WEEKDAY: =CHOOSE(WEEKDAY(A2,2),"Mon","Tue","Wed","Thu","Fri","Sat","Sun").
Common mistakes
- Index number 0 or larger than the list gives #VALUE!.
- Using it for long lists. A lookup table is easier to keep.
- Index as text.
Frequently asked questions
CHOOSE or IFS?
CHOOSE works from a number position. IFS works with conditions.
Can CHOOSE return ranges?
Yes, for example inside SUM.
Can I choose a column?
Yes, CHOOSE({1,2},B:B,A:A) builds a reordered array.
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