What does the CHOOSE() function do in Excel?

CHOOSE(index, value1, value2, ...) returns the value whose position matches the index number. For example, CHOOSE(2, 'A', 'B', 'C') returns 'B'.

How does CHOOSE() replace nested IF statements?

Instead of =IF(A1=1,'Good',IF(A1=2,'Better','Best')), use =CHOOSE(A1,'Good','Better','Best'). It is shorter, easier to read, and avoids deeply nested parentheses.

Can CHOOSE() reference a range instead of individual values?

Yes - CHOOSE(A1, H2, H3, H4, H5) references individual cells. You can also use ranges in array contexts, but listing individual cells is the most common approach.

Excel CHOOSE Function: Replace Nested IFs

=IF(A1=1,"Excellent",IF(A1=2,"Very Good",IF(A1=3,"Good",IF(A1=4,"Average",...))))))) Does the above line of code look familiar to you? If so, then you need to get acquainted with the =CHOOSE() function in MS Excel. The =CHOOSE() function returns an item once its relative position on a list matches its index number input. It can take several values, and save users the stress of creating infinite nested IFs to get a similar job done. For example, the above code can be simply re-written as the below:

=CHOOSE(A1,"Excellent","Very Good","Good", "Average"...)

or better yet, if the list items were in a column range from, say H2:H5

=CHOOSE(A1,H2,H3,H4,H5)

Excel CHOOSE() Function: Replace Nested IFs with a Cleaner Formula

Frequently Asked Questions