A function is a mathematical operation that takes one or more dependent or independent entered values and produces a result from them. In the data window, any function can be used alone or as part of a more complex formula. A function can be as simple as MAX (the maximum of a range or list of values) or as complex as SIN (the trigonometric sine of a value).
Different functions require different types of arguments. Any function used in a formula must have one set of parentheses enclosing its argument:=SIN(C1), for example. If you use a formula that contains embedded functions, you must use one set of parentheses for each function in the formula.
Important! If you enter or paste a function into a column that has an alphanumeric format, a dialog asks if you want to reformat the column to a numeric format.
The functions used to build formulas are single-parameter, multi-parameter, constants, and null-parameter functions.
