Do you want to learn how to skip optional arguments in functions in Google Sheets? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of skipping optional parameters in Google Sheets functions.
Optional Arguments at the End or Middle of a Function Syntax
When it comes to excluding optional parameters at the end of a function, you can simply skip them. However, it’s important to understand the default value assigned to them. By excluding the last optional argument, the function will use the default value. But remember, there may be exceptions to this rule.
Let’s take the popular function Vlookup as an example. The syntax of this function is as follows:
Syntax: VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [is_sorted])
In this function, the parameter “is_sorted” is optional and placed within square brackets. Its default value is TRUE (data is sorted). If the data is not sorted, you can specify FALSE.
For instance, consider the table below:
| category | total order |
|---|---|
| sedan | 5 |
| SUV | 10 |
| truck | 8 |
| coupe | 3 |
To find the total order corresponding to the search key “sedan”, you can use the following formula:
=VLOOKUP(“sedan”, A2:B5, 2, FALSE)
In this Vlookup, we have used the optional argument “is_sorted” as FALSE because the data is not sorted. If the table is sorted, you can exclude the last argument since the default value of “is_sorted” is TRUE. You can also achieve this by sorting the data using the SORT function:
=VLOOKUP(“sedan”, SORT(A1:B5), 2)
Before skipping an optional argument, it’s crucial to understand its purpose and the default value assigned to it.
Skip All the Optional Arguments in a Function in Google Sheets
In some functions like Growth and Trend, you can simply ignore all the optional arguments. The syntax for both functions is similar:
Growth: GROWTH(known_data_y, [known_data_x], [new_data_x], [b])
Trend: TREND(known_data_y, [known_data_x], [new_data_x], [b])
To skip all the optional arguments, just exclude them from your formula. For example:
=GROWTH(A2:A7)
=TREND(A2:A7)
However, if you want to use the last parameter and skip the middle ones, things get a bit more complicated.
Skip Only a Few of the Optional Parameters in Functions in Google Sheets
Let’s focus again on the Growth and Trend functions, which can be quite confusing when it comes to optional arguments.
To exclude the middle two arguments, known_data_x and new_data_x, which have no default values, and use the default value of b (0 or FALSE), follow these steps:
-
Generate a sequence of numbers corresponding to the data rows using the SEQUENCE formula:
=SEQUENCE(6, 1)
-
Use this sequence formula as the known_data_x and new_data_x in the Growth and Trend formulas:
=GROWTH(A2:A7, SEQUENCE(6, 1), SEQUENCE(6, 1), TRUE)
=TREND(A2:A7, SEQUENCE(6, 1), SEQUENCE(6, 1), TRUE)
If you change the last argument from TRUE to FALSE, you can exclude the middle two arguments in these functions.
In some functions, especially financial ones, you can leave an optional argument in the middle of a function by placing a comma. For example, using the PMT function:
Syntax: PMT(rate, number_of_periods, present_value, [future_value], [end_or_beginning])
Input:
rate = 1%
number_of_periods = 12
present_value = 30000
future_value = skip this argument
end_or_beginning = 1
=PMT(C2, C3, C4, , 1)
Conclusion
In conclusion, skipping optional arguments in Google Sheets functions can be incredibly useful. However, keep in mind that some functions also allow you to skip required arguments. Take the IF formula, for instance:
Syntax: IF(logical_expression, value_if_true, value_if_false)
=IF(A1=””, , A1*5.5)
Remember to understand the default value before skipping an optional argument in Google Sheets functions. Have fun exploring the endless possibilities of Google Sheets!
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