Accessing all the functions in Excel with Insert Function

Excel contains a vast array of functions you can use to perform various calculations. You can use Insert Function to become familiar with the functions available in Excel and to become familiar with what each of the functions does.

Use Insert Function to insert a function you choose into an empty cell. You can search for a function by keyword or by category.

To launch the Insert Function dialog box

  1. Select the empty cell where you want the function to be stored.

  2. In the Insert menu, click Function.

  3. The Insert Function dialog box appears.

    Insert Function Dialog Box Insert Function Dialog Box
  4. In the Search for a function box, type a description of the function you want.

  5. Note: Alternatively, you can use the category dropdown list to see functions that all relate to a certain type of calculation like “Lookup & Reference.”
  6. In the Select a function area, click to select a function.

  7. Note: Excel displays a description of the selected function below the Select a function area.
  8. Click OK.

  9. In the Function Arguments dialog box, click in an argument box.

  10. Function Arguments Function Arguments

    Note: Excel displays a description for the argument that corresponds to selected box.

    If you have chosen a function that requires more than one argument, you can see descriptions for all required arguments by clicking in each of the boxes.