Excel : OFFSET Function with Examples

Deepanshu Bhalla 4 Comments ,
In this tutorial, you will learn how to apply OFFSET function in MS Excel.

The Excel syntax for the OFFSET function is:

=OFFSET(referencerowscolumns, [height], [width])
It returns a reference to a range, from a given starting point with given height and width in cells.

1. Reference - Starting point in range.

2. Rows - Number of rows you want Excel to move from the starting point.

3. Columns - Number of columns you want Excel to move from the starting point.

4. Height [Optional] - Size of range with number of rows tall you want to return.

5. Width  [Optional] - Size of range with number of columns wide you want to return.


Examples : 

1. OFFSET(A1,1,0)

It means move down 1 row i.e. A2. Since height and width components are optional in OFFSET formula, you can skip their references.

2. OFFSET(A1,0,2)

It means move right 2 columns i.e. C1.

3. OFFSET(A1,0,0,2)

From A1 returns 2 rows tall range. That means A1:A2 

4. OFFSET(A1,0,0,1,2)

From A1 returns 2 columns wide range. That means A1:B1 

5. OFFSET(A1,0,0,2,2)

From A1 returns 2 rows tall and 2 columns wide range. That means A1:B2 

6. SUM(OFFSET(A1,1,2,2,1))

It means move down 1 row, 2 columns and then select 2 X 1 range. That means C2:C3

Real World Examples

Suppose you want to extract alternate values from a list.
Excel OFFSET Function
Formula

Suppose data starts from cell B3 (as shown in the image above). Type the following formula in cell C3.
=SUM(OFFSET(B$3,ROW(A1)*2-2,0))

ROW Function

It returns the row number of a reference.

Examples :

1. ROW(A1) returns 1.

2. ROW(A2) returns 2.

Scenario 2

Suppose you are asked to calculate cumulative sale. And the figure should be displayed in columns. Hence the formula should increment by row when you copy it horizontally.


Download the sample workbook


OFFSET - COLUMN

=SUM(OFFSET($A$1,0,0,COLUMN(B1)))

Evaluate Formula :

Let's translate the following formula into English :

=SUM(OFFSET($A$1,0,0,COLUMN(B1)))

Since COLUMN(B1) returns 2, the above formula means = SUM (A1 through 2 rows wide). That is equivalent to =SUM(A1:A3).

When you copy the above formula across columns, the column formula increments by one.

=SUM(OFFSET($A$1,0,0,COLUMN(C1)))
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About Author:
Deepanshu Bhalla

Deepanshu founded ListenData with a simple objective - Make analytics easy to understand and follow. He has over 10 years of experience in data science. During his tenure, he worked with global clients in various domains like Banking, Insurance, Private Equity, Telecom and HR.

4 Responses to "Excel : OFFSET Function with Examples"
  1. Kindly notice the point you have mention:
    2. ROW(B1) returns 2.

    --how can this is possible, as row return row number B1 is row 1, That means it will return 1 not 2.


    --------------You Wrote--------------------------------------
    ROW Function

    It returns the row number of a reference.

    Examples :

    1. ROW(A1) returns 1.

    2. ROW(B1) returns 2.
    -------------------------------------------------

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think it's an error too Row(B1) Should return :1. Although i think he meant "A2" which should return 2.

    ReplyDelete
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