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LAMBDA
LAMBDA lets you create named, reusable formula functions directly in the spreadsheet. You define one or more parameter names followed by the formula that uses them, then call the resulting function with arguments. Assign it to a Named Range to use it anywhere in the workbook.
Topic:LAMBDA (reusable formulas)Excel
=LAMBDA(x, x*2)(5)Google Sheets
=LAMBDA(x, x*2)(5)Try it with your data
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How it works
- 1List one or more parameter names first — e.g. `x` — each separated by a comma.
- 2The last argument is always the formula body that references those parameters — here `x*2`.
- 3To test inline without a Named Range, immediately call the lambda by appending the argument(s) in parentheses: `(5)`.
- 4The result is the evaluated formula body with arguments substituted — 5*2 = 10.
Need a version for your data?
Try: “How do I create a reusable formula that doubles a number without writing a macro?”
More on LAMBDA (reusable formulas)
See all →How-to
How to write a recursive LAMBDA function
Build self-referencing recursive functions using LAMBDA with the Excel Name Manager or Google Sheets named functions — for tasks like factorial, Fibonacci, or tree traversal.
How-toHow to use LAMBDA with MAP across a range
Use MAP with a LAMBDA to apply a custom formula to every cell in a range in Excel 365 and Google Sheets, returning a transformed array without helper columns.
How-toHow to use LAMBDA with REDUCE for cumulative math
Use REDUCE with a LAMBDA to fold a range into a single accumulated value in Excel 365 and Google Sheets — perfect for running totals, products, or custom aggregations.
How-toHow to use LAMBDA with SCAN for a running balance
Use SCAN with a LAMBDA to compute a running balance or cumulative total in Excel 365 and Google Sheets, returning one result per row without helper columns.
How-toHow to use BYROW and BYCOL to apply a LAMBDA per row or column
BYROW and BYCOL apply a LAMBDA to each row or column of a range in Excel 365 and Google Sheets, returning a per-row or per-column result without helper rows or columns.
How-toHow to use MAKEARRAY with LAMBDA
MAKEARRAY generates a 2-D array of any size in Excel 365 and Google Sheets by calling a LAMBDA with each row and column index, letting you build multiplication tables, calendars, or computed grids.