Microsoft Excel 2016 BIBLE (2016)

IN THIS CHAPTER

1. Looking at more examples of single-cell array formulas

2. Seeing more examples of multicell array formulas

3. Returning an array from a custom VBA function

The preceding chapter provided an introduction to arrays and array formulas and presented some basic examples to whet your appetite. This chapter continues the saga and provides many useful examples that further demonstrate the power of this feature.

I selected the examples in this chapter to offer a good assortment of the various uses for array formulas. You can use most of them as is. You will, of course, need to adjust the range names or references used. Also, you can modify many of the examples easily to work in a slightly different manner.

Working with Single-Cell Array Formulas

As I describe in the preceding chapter, you enter single-cell array formulas into a single cell (not into a range of cells). These array formulas work with arrays contained in a range or that exist in memory. This section provides some additional examples of such array formulas.

The examples in this section are available on this book's website at www.wiley.com/go/excel2016bible. The file is named single-cell array formulas.xlsx.

Summing a range that contains errors

You may have discovered that the SUM function doesn't work if you attempt to sum a range that contains one or more error values (such as #DIV/0! or #N/A). Figure 18.1 shows an example. The formula in cell D11 returns an error value because the range that it sums (D4:D10) contains errors.

Figure 18.1 An array formula can sum a range of values, even if the range contains errors.

The following array formula, in cell D13, overcomes this problem and returns the sum of the values, even if the range contains error values:

{=SUM(IFERROR(D4:D10,""))}

This formula works by creating a new array that contains the original values but without the errors. The IFERROR function effectively filters out error values by replacing them with an empty string. The SUM function then works on this “filtered” array. This technique also works with other functions, such as AVERAGE, MIN, and MAX.

Note

The IFERROR function was introduced in Excel 2007. Following is a modified version of the formula that's compatible with older versions of Excel

{=SUM(IF(ISERROR(D4:D10),"",D4:D10))}

The AGGREGATE function, which was introduced in Excel 2010, provides another way to sum a range that contains one or more error values, without using an array formula. Here's an example:

=AGGREGATE(9,2,C4:C10)

The first argument, 9, is the code for SUM. The second argument, 2, is the code for “ignore error values.” The AGGREGATE function can also be used to calculate an average, minimum, maximum, and other summary values.

Counting the number of error values in a range

The following array formula is similar to the previous example, but it returns a count of the number of error values in a range named Data:

{=SUM(IF(ISERROR(Data),1,0))}

This formula creates an array that consists of 1s (if the corresponding cell contains an error) and 0s (if the corresponding cell does not contain an error value).

You can simplify the formula a bit by removing the third argument for the IF function. If this argument isn't specified, the IF function returns FALSE if the condition is not satisfied (that is, the cell does not contain an error value). In this context, Excel treats FALSE as a0 value. The array formula shown here performs exactly like the previous formula, but it doesn't use the third argument for the IF function:

{=SUM(IF(ISERROR(Data),1))}

In fact, you can simplify the formula even more:

{=SUM(ISERROR(Data)*1)}

This version of the formula relies on the fact that

TRUE * 1 = 1

and

FALSE * 1 = 0

Summing the n largest values in a range

The following array formula returns the sum of the ten largest values in a range named Data:

{=SUM(LARGE(Data,ROW(INDIRECT("1:10"))))}

The LARGE function is evaluated ten times, each time with a different second argument (1, 2, 3, and so on, up to 10). The results of these calculations are stored in a new array, and that array is used as the argument for the SUM function.

To sum a different number of values, replace the 10 in the argument for the INDIRECT function with another value.

If the number of cells to sum is contained in cell C17, use the following array formula, which employs the concatenation operator (&) to create the range address for the INDIRECT function:

{=SUM(LARGE(Data,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&C17))))}

To sum the n smallest values in a range, use the SMALL function instead of the LARGE function.

Using the INDIRECT function to generate a series of consecutive integers is discussed in Chapter 17, “Introducing Array Formulas.”

Computing an average that excludes zeros

Figure 18.2 shows a simple worksheet that calculates average sales. The formula in cell B13 is

=AVERAGE(B4:B11)

Figure 18.2 The calculated average includes cells that contain a 0.

Two of the sales staff had the week off, however, so including their 0 sales in the calculated average doesn't accurately describe the average sales per representative.

Note

The AVERAGE function ignores blank cells, but it does not ignore cells that contain 0.

The following array formula returns the average of the range but excludes the cells containing 0:

{=AVERAGE(IF(B5:B12<>0,B5:B12))}

This formula creates a new array that consists only of the nonzero values in the range. The AVERAGE function then uses this new array as its argument.

You can also get the same result with a regular (nonarray) formula:

=SUM(B5:B12)/COUNTIF(B5:B12,"<>0")

This formula uses the COUNTIF function to count the number of nonzero values in the range. This value is divided into the sum of the values.

Note

The only reason to use an array formula to calculate an average that excludes zero values is for compatibility with versions prior to Excel 2007. A simpler approach is to use the AVERAGEIF function in a nonarray formula:

=AVERAGEIF(B5:B12,"<>0",B5:B12)

Determining whether a particular value appears in a range

To determine whether a particular value appears in a single column of cells, you can use the LOOKUP function. But if the range consists of multiple columns, you'll need to use a different approach.

Figure 18.3 shows a worksheet with a list of names in A5:E24 (named NameList). An array formula in cell D3 checks the name entered into cell C3 (named TheName). If the name exists in the list of names, the formula displays the text Found; otherwise, it displays Not Found.

Figure 18.3 Using an array formula to determine whether a range contains a particular value.

The array formula in cell D3 is

{=IF(OR(TheName=NameList),"Found","Not Found")}

This formula compares TheName to each cell in the NameList range. It builds a new array that consists of logical TRUE or FALSE values. The OR function returns TRUE if any one of the values in the new array is TRUE. The IF function uses this result to determine which message to display.

A simpler form of this formula follows. This formula displays TRUE if the name is found; otherwise, it returns FALSE:

{=OR(TheName=NameList)}

Yet another approach uses the COUNTIF function in a nonarray formula:

=IF(COUNTIF(NameList,TheName)>0,"Found","Not Found")

Counting the number of differences in two ranges

The following array formula compares the corresponding values in two ranges (named MyData and YourData) and returns the number of differences in the two ranges. If the contents of the two ranges are identical, the formula returns 0:

{=SUM(IF(MyData=YourData,0,1))}

Figure 18.4 shows an example.

Figure 18.4 Using an array formula to count the number of differences in two ranges.

Note

Each of the two ranges can consist of more than one column, but they must be the same size and the same dimensions.

This formula works by creating a new array of the same size as the ranges being compared. The IF function fills this new array with 0s and 1s: 1 if a difference is found, and 0 if the ­corresponding cells are the same. The SUM function then returns the sum of the values in the array.

The following array formula, which is simpler, is another way of calculating the same result:

{=SUM(1*(MyData<>YourData))}

This version of the formula relies on the fact that

TRUE * 1 = 1

and

FALSE * 1 = 0

Returning the location of the maximum value in a range

The following array formula returns the row number of the maximum value in a single-column range named Data:

{=MIN(IF(Data=MAX(Data),ROW(Data), ""))}

The IF function creates a new array that corresponds to the Data range. If the corresponding cell contains the maximum value in Data, the array contains the row number; otherwise, it contains an empty string. The MIN function uses this new array as its second argument, and it returns the smallest value, which corresponds to the row number of the maximum value in Data.

I use the MIN function to handle ties. If the Data range contains more than one cell that has the maximum value, the row of the first occurrence of the maximum cell is returned. If you change MIN to MAX, then the formula returns the last occurrence of the maximum cell.

The following array formula is similar to the previous one, but it returns the actual cell address of the maximum value in the Data range. It uses the ADDRESS function, which takes two arguments: a row number and a column number:

{=ADDRESS(MIN(IF(Data=MAX(Data),ROW(Data), "")),COLUMN(Data))}

The previous formulas work only with a single-column range. The following variation works with any sized range and returns the address of the largest value in the range named Data:

{=ADDRESS(MIN(IF(Data=MAX(Data),ROW(Data), "")),MIN(IF(Data=MAX(Data),COLUMN(Data), "")))}

If the range contains two or more cells that are tied for the maximum value, this formula returns the address of the first occurrence.

Finding the row of a value's nth occurrence in a range

The following array formula returns the row number within a single-column range named Data that contains the nth occurrence of the value in a cell named Value:

{=SMALL(IF(Data=Value,ROW(Data), ""),n)}

The IF function creates a new array that consists of the row number of values from the Data range that are equal to Value. Values from the Data range that aren't equal to Value are replaced with an empty string. The SMALL function works on this new array and returns the nth smallest row number.

The formula returns #NUM! if the Value is not found or if n exceeds the number of occurrences of Value in the range.

Returning the longest text in a range

The following array formula displays the text string in a range (named Data) that has the most characters. If multiple cells contain the longest text string, the first cell is returned:

{=INDEX(Data,MATCH(MAX(LEN(Data)),LEN(Data),FALSE),1)}

This formula works with two arrays, both of which contain the length of each item in the Data range. The MAX function determines the largest value, which corresponds to the longest text item. The MATCH function calculates the offset of the cell that contains the maximum length. The INDEX function returns the contents of the cell containing the most characters.

Figure 18.5 shows an example. This function works only if the Data range consists of a single column.

Figure 18.5 Using an array formula to return the longest text in a range.

Determining whether a range contains valid values

You may have a list of items that you need to check against another list. For example, you may import a list of part numbers into a range named MyList, and you want to ensure that all the part numbers are valid. You can do so by comparing the items in the imported list to the items in a master list of part numbers (named Master). Figure 18.6 shows an example.

Figure 18.6 Using array formula to count and identify items that aren't in a list.

The following array formula returns TRUE if every item in the range named MyList is found in the range named Master. Both ranges must consist of a single column, but they don't need to contain the same number of rows:

{=ISNA(MATCH(TRUE,ISNA(MATCH(MyList,Master,0)),0))}

The array formula that follows returns the number of invalid items. In other words, it returns the number of items in MyList that do not appear in Master:

{=SUM(1*ISNA(MATCH(MyList,Master,0)))}

To return the first invalid item in MyList, use the following array formula:

{=INDEX(MyList,MATCH(TRUE,ISNA(MATCH(MyList,Master,0)),0))}

Summing the digits of an integer

I can't think of any practical application for the example in this section, but it's a good demonstration of the potential power of an array formula. The following array formula calculates the sum of the digits in a positive integer, which is stored in cell A1. For example, if cell A1 contains the value 409, the formula returns 13 (the sum of 4, 0, and 9):

{=SUM(MID(A1,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&LEN(A1))),1)*1)}

To understand how this formula works, start with the ROW function, as shown here:

{=ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&LEN(A1)))}

This function returns an array of consecutive integers beginning with 1 and ending with the number of digits in the value in cell A1. For example, if cell A1 contains the value 409, the LEN function returns 3, and the array generated by the ROW functions is

{1,2,3}

For more information about using the INDIRECT function to return this array, see Chapter 17.

This array is then used as the second argument for the MID function. The MID part of the formula, simplified a bit and expressed as values, is the following:

{=MID(409,{1,2,3},1)*1}

This function generates an array with three elements:

{4,0,9}

By simplifying again and adding the SUM function, the formula looks like this:

{=SUM({4,0,9})}

This formula produces the result of 13.

Note

The values in the array created by the MID function are multiplied by 1 because the MID function returns a string. Multiplying by 1 forces a numeric value result. Alternatively, you can use the VALUE function to force a numeric string to become a numeric value.

Notice that the formula doesn't work with a negative value because the negative sign is not a numeric value. Also, the formula fails if the cell contains nonnumeric values (such as 123A6). The following formula solves this problem by checking for errors in the array and replacing them with zero:

{=SUM(IFERROR(MID(A1,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&LEN(A1))),1)*1,0))}

Note

This formula uses the IFERROR function, which was introduced in Excel 2007.

Figure 18.7 shows a worksheet that uses both versions of this formula.

Figure 18.7 Two versions of an array formula calculate the sum of the digits in an integer.

Summing rounded values

Figure 18.8 shows a simple worksheet that demonstrates a common spreadsheet problem: rounding errors. As you can see, the grand total in cell E7 appears to display an incorrect amount. (It's off by a penny.) The values in column E use a number format that displays two decimal places. The actual values, however, consist of additional decimal places that do not display due to rounding (as a result of the number format). The net effect of these rounding errors is a seemingly incorrect total. The total, which is actually $168.320997, displays as $168.32.

Figure 18.8 Using an array formula to correct rounding errors.

The following array formula creates a new array that consists of values in column E, rounded to two decimal places:

{=SUM(ROUND(E4:E6,2))}

This formula returns $168.31.

You can also eliminate these types of rounding errors by using the ROUND function in the formula that calculates each row total in column E (which does not require an array formula).

Summing every nth value in a range

Suppose that you have a range of values and you want to compute the sum of every third value in the list — the first, the fourth, the seventh, and so on. One solution is to hard-code the cell addresses in a formula. A better solution, though, is to use an array formula.

In Figure 18.9, the values are stored in a range named Data, and the value of n is in cell D4 (which is named n).

Figure 18.9 An array formula returns the sum of every nth value in the range.

The following array formula returns the sum of every nth value in the range:

{=SUM(IF(MOD(ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&COUNT(Data)))-1,n)=0,Data,""))}

This formula returns 70, which is the sum of every third value in the range.

This formula generates an array of consecutive integers, and the MOD function uses this array as its first argument. The second argument for the MOD function is the value of n. The MOD function creates another array that consists of the remainders when each row number is divided by n. When the array item is 0 (that is, the row is evenly divisible by n), the corresponding item in the Data range will be included in the sum.

You find that this formula fails when n is 0 (that is, when it sums no items). The modified array formula that follows uses an IF function to handle this case:

{=IF(n=0,0,SUM(IF(MOD(ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&COUNT(Data)))-1,n)=0,Data,"")))}

This formula works only when the Data range consists of a single column of values. It does not work for a multicolumn range or for a single row of values.

To make the formula work with a horizontal range, you need to transpose the array of integers generated by the ROW function. The TRANSPOSE function is just the ticket. The modified array formula that follows works only with a horizontal Data range:

{=IF(n=0,0,SUM(IF(MOD(TRANSPOSE(ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&COUNT(Data))))-1,n)=0,Data,"")))}

Removing nonnumeric characters from a string

The following array formula extracts a number from a string that contains text. For example, consider the string ABC145Z. The formula returns the numeric part, 145:

{=MID(A1,MATCH(0,(ISERROR(MID(A1,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&LEN(A1))),1)*1)*1),0),LEN(A1)-SUM((ISERROR(MID(A1,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&LEN(A1))),1)*1)*1)))}

This formula works only with a single embedded number. For example, it fails with a string like X45Z99 because the string contains two embedded numbers.

Using the Excel Formula Evaluator

If you want to better understand how some of these complex array formulas work, consider using a handy tool: the Formula Evaluator. Select the cell that contains the formula and then choose Formulas Formula Auditing Evaluate Formula. The Evaluate Formula dialog box, shown in the figure here, appears.

Click the Evaluate button repeatedly to see the intermediate results as the formula is being calculated. It's like watching a formula calculate in slow motion.

Determining the closest value in a range

The formula in this section performs an operation that none of Excel's lookup functions can do. The array formula that follows returns the value in a range named Data that is closest to another value (named Target):

{=INDEX(Data,MATCH(SMALL(ABS(Target-Data),1),ABS(Target-Data),0))}

If two values in the Data range are equidistant from the Target value, the formula returns the first one in the list. Figure 18.10 shows an example of this formula. In this case, the Target value is 45. The array formula in cell D4 returns 48 — the value closest to 45.

Figure 18.10 An array formula returns the closest match.

Returning the last value in a column

Suppose that you have a worksheet you update frequently by adding new data to columns. You may need a way to reference the last value in column A (the value most recently entered). If column A contains no empty cells, the solution is relatively simple and doesn't require an array formula:

=OFFSET(A1,COUNTA(A:A)-1,0)

This formula uses the COUNTA function to count the number of nonempty cells in column A. This value (–1) is used as the second argument for the OFFSET function. For example, if the last value is in row 100, COUNTA returns 100. The OFFSET function returns the value in the cell 99 rows down from cell A1 in the same column.

If column A has one or more empty cells interspersed, which is frequently the case, the preceding formula won't work because the COUNTA function doesn't count the empty cells.

The following array formula returns the contents of the last nonempty cell in the first 500 rows of column A:

{=INDEX(A1:A500,MAX(ROW(A1:A500)*(A1:A500<>"")))}

You can, of course, modify the formula to work with a column other than column A. To use a different column, change the column references from A to whatever column you need. If the last nonempty cell occurs in a row beyond row 500, you need to change the two instances of 500 to a larger number. The fewer rows referenced in the formula, the faster the calculation speed. Note that the formula does not work if the column contains error values.

Caution

You can't use this formula, as written, in the same column with which it's working. Attempting to do so generates a circular reference. You can, however, modify it. For example, to use the function in cell A1, change the references so that they begin with row 2 instead of row 1.

Tip

Following is an alternate (nonarray) formula that returns the last value in a column. This formula returns the last nonempty cell in column A:

=LOOKUP(2,1/(A:A<>""),A:A )

I don't understand how this formula works, but it seems to be perfectly reliable and is probably more efficient than the array formula. It differs from the array formula in one way: it ignores error values. So it actually returns the last nonempty, nonerror cell in a column.

Returning the last value in a row

The following array formula is similar to the previous formula, but it returns the last nonempty cell in a row (in this case, row 1):

{=INDEX(1:1,MAX(COLUMN(1:1)*(1:1<>"")))}

To use this formula for a different row, change the 1:1 reference to correspond to the row.

Figure 18.11 shows an example for the last value in a column and the last value in a row.

Figure 18.11 Using array formulas to return the last nonempty cell in a column or row.

An alternative, nonarray formula that returns the last nonempty nonerror cell in a row is

=LOOKUP(2,1/(1:1<>""),1:1 )

Working with Multicell Array Formulas

The preceding chapter introduced array formulas entered into multicell ranges. In this section, I present a few more multicell array formulas. Most of these formulas return some or all the values in a range, but rearranged in some way.

When you enter a multicell array formula, you must select the entire range first. Then type the formula and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

The examples in this section are available on this book's website at www.wiley.com/go/excel2016bible. The file is named multicell array formulas.xlsx.

Returning only positive values from a range

The following array formula works with a single-column vertical range (named Data). The array formula is entered into a range that's the same size as Data and returns only the positive values in the Data range. (Zeroes and negative numbers are ignored.)

{=INDEX(Data,SMALL(IF(Data>0,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))),ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))))}

As you can see in Figure 18.12, this formula works, but not perfectly. The Data range is A4:A23, and the array formula is entered into C4:C23. However, the array formula displays #NUM! error values for cells that don't contain a value.

Figure 18.12 Using an array formula to return only the positive values in a range.

This modified array formula, entered into range E4:E23, uses the IFERROR function to avoid the error value display:

{=IFERROR(INDEX(Data,SMALL(IF(Data>0,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))),ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data))))),"")}

The IFERROR function was introduced in Excel 2007. For compatibility with older versions, use this formula:

{=IF(ISERR(SMALL(IF(Data>0,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))),ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data))))),"",INDEX(Data,SMALL(IF(Data>0,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))),ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data))))))}

Returning nonblank cells from a range

The following formula is a variation on the formula in the preceding section. This array formula works with a single-column vertical range named Data. The array formula is entered into a range of the same size as Data and returns only the nonblank cells in the Data range:

{=IFERROR(INDEX(Data,SMALL(IF(Data<>"",ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))),ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data))))),"")}

For compatibility with versions prior to Excel 2007, use this formula:

{=IF(ISERR(SMALL(IF(Data<>"",ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))),ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data))))),"",INDEX(Data,SMALL(IF(Data<>"",ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))),ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data))))))}

Reversing the order of cells in a range

In Figure 18.13, cells C4:C13 contain a multicell array formula that reverses the order of the values in the range A4:A13 (which is named Data).

Figure 18.13 A multicell array formula displays the entries in A4:A13 in reverse order.

The array formula is

{=IF(INDEX(Data,ROWS(Data)-ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))+1)="","",INDEX(Data,ROWS(Data)-ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))+1))}

Sorting a range of values dynamically

Figure 18.14 shows a data entry range in column A (named Data). As the user enters values into that range, the values are displayed sorted from largest to smallest in column C. The array formula in column C is rather simple:

{=LARGE(Data,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data))))}

Figure 18.14 A multicell array formula displays the values in column A, sorted.

If you prefer to avoid the #NUM! error display, use this formula:

=IFERROR(LARGE(Data,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))),"")

If you require compatibility with versions prior to Excel 2007, the formula gets a bit more complex:

{=IF(ISERR(LARGE(Data,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data))))),"",LARGE(Data,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))))}

Note that this formula works only with values. The file at this book's website has a similar array formula example that works only with text.

Returning a list of unique items in a range

If you have a single-column range named Data, the following array formula returns a list of the unique items in the range (the list with no duplicated items):

{=INDEX(Data,SMALL(IF(MATCH(Data,Data,0)=ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data))),MATCH(Data,Data,0),""),ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&ROWS(Data)))))}

This formula doesn't work if the Data range contains any blank cells. The unfilled cells of the array formula display #NUM!.

The following modified version eliminates the #NUM! display by using the IFERROR function:

{=IFERROR(INDEX(Data,SMALL(IF(MATCH(Data,Data,0)=ROW(INDIRECT

("1:"&ROWS(data))),MATCH(Data,Data,0),""),ROW(INDIRECT

("1:"&ROWS(Data))))),"")}

Figure 18.15 shows an example. Range A4:A22 is named Data, and the array formula is entered into range C4:C22. Range E4:E22 contains the array formula that uses the IFERROR function.

Figure 18.15 Using an array formula to return unique items from a list.

Displaying a calendar in a range

Figure 18.16 shows the results of one of my favorite multicell array formulas, a “live” calendar displayed in a range of cells. If you change the date at the top, the calendar recalculates to display the dates for the month and year.

Figure 18.16 Displaying a calendar by using a single array formula.

This workbook is available on this book's website at www.wiley.com/go/excel2016bible. The file is named array formula calendar.xlsx. In addition, you'll find a workbook (yearly calendar.xlsx) that uses this technique to display a calendar for a complete year. After you create this calendar, you can easily copy it to other worksheets or workbooks.

To create this calendar in the range B2:H9, follow these steps:

1. Select B2:H2 and merge the cells by choosing Home Alignment Merge & Center.

2. Enter a date into the merged range. The day of the month isn't important.

3. Enter the abbreviated day names in the range B3:H3.

4. Select B4:H9 and enter this array formula. Remember: to enter an array formula, press Ctrl+Shift+Enter (not just Enter):

{=IF(MONTH(DATE(YEAR(B2),MONTH(B2),1))<>MONTH(DATE(YEAR(B2),MONTH(B2),1)-(WEEKDAY(DATE(YEAR(B2),MONTH(B2),1))-1)+{0;1;2;3;4;5}*7+{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}-1),"",DATE(YEAR(B2),MONTH(B2),1)-(WEEKDAY(DATE(YEAR(B2),MONTH(B2),1))-1)+{0;1;2;3;4;5}*7+{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}-1)}

5. Format the range B4:H9 to use this custom number format: d. This step formats the dates to show only the day. Use the Custom category in the Number tab of the Format Cells dialog box to specify this custom number format.

6. Adjust the column widths and format the cells as you like.

7. Change the month and year in cell B2. The calendar updates automatically.

After creating this calendar, you can copy the range to any other worksheet or workbook.

The array formula actually returns date values, but the cells are formatted to display only the day portion of the date. Also, notice that the array formula uses array constants.

See Chapter 17, “Introducing Array Formulas,” for more information about array constants.