Class Note: Using the TAKE Function in Excel

Objective

Learn about the Excel TAKE function, its uses, differences from similar functions, and practical examples for dynamic data analysis.

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Introduction to TAKE Function

• TAKE is an easy-to-use and easy-to-remember Excel function.
• Ideal for grabbing the first or last rows/columns from a dataset, making dynamic calculations effortless.
• Especially useful as data expands; easier to use than the OFFSET function.

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Basic Usage

• Syntax:

  =TAKE(array, [rows], [columns])
  

  • array: Range/table/data to work with (can be a column, row, or full table).
  • rows: Number of rows to take (positive for first n rows, negative for last n rows).
  • columns: (optional) Number of columns to take.

Examples

• Get first 3 rows:

  =TAKE(A1:E10, 3)
  

• Get last 3 rows:

  =TAKE(A1:E10, -3)
  

• Get first 2 columns of all rows:

  =TAKE(A1:E10, , 2)
  

• Get all rows (leave rows empty):

  =TAKE(A1:E10, , )
  

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Comparison with CHOOSECOLS and CHOOSEROWS

• CHOOSECOLS: Choose specific columns (e.g., columns 2 and 1: =CHOOSECOLS(array, 2, 1))
• CHOOSEROWS: Choose specific rows.
• TAKE: Always includes everything up to and including the defined row or column, not just specific ones.

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Practical Examples

1. Dynamic Averages (e.g., Last 5 Campaigns)

• Find the average marketing spend for the last 5 campaigns:

  =AVERAGE(TAKE([MarketingSpend], -5))
  

  • Dynamic: As data grows, formula automatically updates.

2. Combination with FILTER Function

• Return last 5 campaigns where spend ≥ 1000:

  =TAKE(FILTER([CampaignName], [Spend] >= 1000), -5)
  

3. Combination with SORT/SORTBY for Top/Bottom Analysis

• Get campaign names with highest marketing spend:

  =TAKE(SORTBY([CampaignName], [Spend], -1), 3)
  

• For lowest 3 spends:

  =TAKE(SORTBY([CampaignName], [Spend], 1), 3)
  

• To get both the top and bottom campaign in one formula:

  =TAKE(SORTBY([CampaignName], [Spend], -1), {1;-1})
  

  • Use {1;-1} (semicolon for vertical spill, comma for horizontal depending on regional settings).

4. Combining with VSTACK for Multiple Tables

Scenario:

Get the top 5 campaigns (by lowest average cost) from two years' data combined.

• Step 1: Stack data from 2022 and 2023:

  =VSTACK(Table2023, Table2022)
  

• Step 2: Sort by average cost per conversion (column 4):

  =SORT(VSTACK(Table2023, Table2022), 4, 1)
  

• Step 3: Select only campaign name and average cost columns:

  =CHOOSECOLS(SORT(VSTACK(Table2023, Table2022), 4, 1), 1, 4)
  

• Step 4: Take top 5 rows:

  =TAKE(CHOOSECOLS(SORT(VSTACK(Table2023, Table2022), 4, 1), 1, 4), 5)
  

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Recap & Takeaways

• TAKE is versatile for extracting a dynamic number of rows and columns.
• Can be nested with AVERAGE, FILTER, SORT/SORTBY, and VSTACK for advanced analytics.
• Automatically adapts as your dataset grows or changes.
• More intuitive than OFFSET, CHOOSEROWS, and CHOOSECOLS in many dynamic scenarios.

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Additional Notes

• Regional Settings: Semicolons (;) spill vertically, commas (,) spill horizontally in array constants; check your Excel settings.
• Function combos can create powerful, dynamic reports and summaries.
• Example use cases: dynamic averages, trend reporting, automated dashboards.

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Prompt for Engagement:
If you have other creative use cases for the TAKE function, share them in the comments!