# INDEX Function

The INDEX function is one of the lookup and reference functions. It is used to return a value within a range of cells on the base of a specified row and column number. The INDEX function has two forms.

The INDEX function syntax in the array form is:

INDEX(array, [row-number][, [column-number]])

The INDEX function syntax in the reference form is:

INDEX(reference, [row-number][, [column-number][, [area-number]]])

where

array is a range of cells.

reference is a reference to a range of cells.

row-number is a row number you wish to return a value from. If it is omitted, column-number is required.

column-number is a column number you wish to return a value from. If it is omitted, row-number is required.

area-number is an area to use in case the array contains several ranges. It is an optional argument. If it is omitted, the function will assume area-number to be 1.

These arguments can be entered manually or included into the cells you make reference to.

To apply the INDEX function,

1. select the cell where you wish to display the result,
2. click the Insert Function icon situated at the top toolbar,
   or right-click within a selected cell and select the Insert Function option from the menu,
   or click the icon situated at the formula bar,
3. select the Lookup and Reference function group from the list,
4. click the INDEX function,
5. enter the required arguments separating them by commas,
6. press the Enter button.

The result will be displayed in the selected cell.