Function

Opens the Function Wizard, which helps you to interactively create formulas.

Before you start the Wizard, select a cell or a range of cells from the current sheet, in order to determine the position at which the formula will be inserted.

To access this command...

Choose Insert - Function.

Ctrl+F2

On the Formula bar, click

Function Wizard

You can download the complete ODFF (OpenDocument Format Formula) specification from the OASIS web site.

The Function Wizard has two tabs: Functions is used to create formulae and Structure is used to check the formula build.

Functions Tab

Search

Search for a part of the function name.

Category

Lists all the categories to which the different functions are assigned. Select a category to view the appropriate functions in the list field below. Select "All" to view all functions in alphabetical order, irrespective of category. "Last Used" lists the functions you have most recently used.

You can browse the full List of Categories and Functions.

Function

Displays the functions found under the selected category. Double-click to select a function. A single-click displays a short function description.

Array

Specifies that the selected function is inserted into the selected cell range as an array formula. Array formulae operate on multiple cells. Each cell in the array contains the formula, not as a copy but as a common formula shared by all matrix cells.

The Array option is identical to the Ctrl +Shift+Enter command, which is used to enter and confirm formulae in the sheet. The formula is inserted as a matrix formula indicated by two braces: { }.

The maximum size of an array range is 128 by 128 cells.

Argument Input Fields

When you double-click a function, the argument input field(s) appear on the right side of the dialogue box. To select a cell reference as an argument, click directly into the cell, or drag across the required range on the sheet while holding down the mouse button. You can also enter numerical and other values or references directly into the corresponding fields in the dialogue box. When using date entries, make sure you use the correct format. Click OK to insert the result into the spreadsheet.

Shrink / Expand

Click the Shrink icon to reduce the dialogue box to the size of the input field. It is then easier to mark the required reference in the sheet. The icons then automatically convert to the Expand icon. Click it to restore the dialogue box to its original size.

The dialogue box is automatically minimised when you click within a sheet with the mouse. As soon as you release the mouse button, the dialogue box is restored and the reference range defined with the mouse is highlighted in the document by a blue frame.

Function Result

As soon you enter arguments in the function, the result is calculated. This preview informs you if the calculation can be carried out with the arguments given. If the arguments result in an error, the corresponding error code is displayed.

The required arguments are indicated by names in bold type.

f(x) (dependent on selected function)

Allows you to access a subordinate level of the Function Wizard in order to nest another function within the function, instead of a value or reference.

Argument/Parameter/Cell Reference (dependent on selected function)

The number of visible text fields depends on the function. Enter arguments either directly into the argument fields or by clicking a cell in the table.

Result

Displays the calculation result or an error message.

Formula

Displays the created formula. Type your entries directly, or create the formula using the wizard.

Back

Moves the focus back through the formula components, marking them as it does so.

To select a single function from a complex formula consisting of several functions, double-click the function in the formula window.

Next

Moves forward through the formula components in the formula window. This button can also be used to assign functions to the formula. If you select a function and click the Next button, the selection appears in the formula window.

Double-click a function in the selection window to transfer it to the formula window.

OK

Ends the Function Wizard, and transfers the formula to the selected cells.

Cancel

Closes the dialogue box without implementing the formula.

Structure tab

In this page you can view the structure of the function.

If you start the Function Wizard while the cell cursor is positioned in a cell that already contains a function, the Structure tab is opened and shows the composition of the current formula.

Structure

Displays a hierarchical representation of the current function. You can hide or show the arguments by a click on the plus or minus sign in front.

Blue dots denote correctly entered arguments. Red dots indicate incorrect data types. For example: if the SUM function has one argument entered as a text string, this is highlighted in red as SUM only permits number entries.