What will the following formula return? =INDEX(A5:H448,5,6)
The number of characters across the given array in row 5, column 6.
The value of the cell in row 5, column 6 across the given array.
The value of the cell in row 6, column 5 across the given array.
The number of occurrences of the value in row 6, column 5 across the given array.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
The value of the cell in row 5, column 6 across the given array.
Explanation:
The Excel formula given is:
=INDEX(A5:H448, 5, 6)To understand what this formula returns, let’s break down its components:
1. INDEX Function Basics:
The INDEX function in Excel returns the value of a cell at the intersection of a specified row and column within a given range or array. Its syntax is:
INDEX(array, row_num, [column_num])array: The range of cells you want to retrieve a value from.row_num: The row number (relative to the top of the array).column_num: The column number (relative to the left of the array).
2. Applying the Formula:
In this case:
- Array:
A5:H448
This is an 8-column (A to H) and 444-row (from row 5 to 448) block of cells. - row_num:
5
This refers to the 5th row within the array — not row 5 on the worksheet, but the fifth row starting from A5, which is row 9 on the sheet. - column_num:
6
This refers to the 6th column from the start of the array — that is column F.
So the formula is referring to cell F9 (the 5th row down from A5 and the 6th column over, which is column F).
3. What Does It Return?
The INDEX function will return the value located at that specific cell — in this case, cell F9. It does not count characters, occurrences, or positions — it simply fetches the value.
Incorrect Choices:
- “Number of characters…”: That would require a
LEN()function. - “Row 6, column 5…”: That would be
INDEX(A5:H448,6,5) - “Occurrences…”: That would require a
COUNTIF()function.
Final Answer:
✅ The value of the cell in row 5, column 6 across the given array.