Excel CHOOSE Function

CHOOSE returns one value from a list based on a position number.

Use it to turn numeric codes into labels, pick an assumption from a small list, or switch between known formula inputs when the index is already available.

Provide an index This is the position to return

List possible values Each value has a numbered position

Return the match Excel picks the value at that position

CHOOSE syntax & arguments

Syntax

=CHOOSE(index_num, value1, [value2], ...)

Required Optional

1

index_num
Required

The position number of the value to return. The first value is 1, the second is 2, and so on.
2

value1
Required

The first possible result CHOOSE can return.
3

value2
Optional Repeatable

Additional possible results. CHOOSE returns the value whose position matches index_num.

Example

=CHOOSE(B2, "Low", "Medium", "High")

Return Low, Medium, or High based on the index number in B2.

CHOOSE caveats

Positions start at 1

index_num of 1 returns value1, 2 returns value2, and so on.
The index must be in range

If index_num is less than 1 or greater than the number of listed values, CHOOSE returns a #VALUE! error.
It does not search labels

CHOOSE needs a position number. Use MATCH when a label should be converted into a position first.
The order becomes part of the formula

Changing the order of the listed values changes what each index number returns.