Using the function dialog box to build formulas

The quick way to add built-in functions to your formulas is by using the "Insert Function" dialog box. This saves you from having to remember all the different function names and the parameters each function requires.

Suppose you want to display the month number of the current date. Follow these steps:

  1. Double-click in an empty field to activate the Formula Editor

  2. Click on the Insert Function button, or select the Function command from the Insert menu

  3. Click on the Date category and then select the Month function. Click on the OK button

  4. The cursor will now lie between the brackets inserted with the Month function. Click the Insert Function button again and select the Date category and then select the Today function. The formula should now read MONTH(TODAY()).

  5. Click the Confirm button on the formula bar (or press Enter) to finish the formula.

You can call on the "Insert Function" dialog box any time you are editing a formula.

Select the Paste Arguments checkbox before clicking OK, to make Ability insert the formula with text entries for each of the function parameters. You can then replace them with the appropriate cell or range references.

See also:

Using built-in functions

Function reference

Using the formula bar