How to Use the MDETERM Function in WPS on Windows

Use the MDETERM function through 3 how-to topics, all available for free in WPS Spreadsheet on Windows.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Insert it from the Insert Function dialog box

Entry point: Formulas tab → Insert Function

1. Select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
2. Click the fx button in the formula bar, or click Insert Function on the Formulas tab.
3. Search for MDETERM in the dialog box.
4. Select the function and click OK.
5. Enter the required range in the function arguments dialog box.
6. Click OK to finish inserting the function.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The target cell displays the determinant result.
• What you can do next: You can edit the referenced range or copy the formula to other cells.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you do not select the target cell first, the result may be inserted in the wrong location.
• Environment note: The referenced range should be a numeric square matrix.

2. Type the formula directly in a cell

Entry point: Worksheet cell → Formula bar

1. Select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
2. Type =MDETERM(...) directly in the cell or the formula bar.
3. Press Enter to confirm.
4. If you need to revise it, double-click the cell or edit it in the formula bar.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The cell returns the determinant result or an error message.
• What you can do next: You can fill, copy, or adjust the formula in other cells.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Using the wrong separator or an incorrect referenced range can cause the formula to fail.
• Environment note: The referenced range must be a square matrix and should contain numeric values.

3. Review the syntax and parameter description

Entry point: Formulas tab → Insert Function

1. Click Insert Function on the Formulas tab.
2. Enter MDETERM in the search box.
3. Select the function and review the syntax MDETERM(array).
4. Check the parameter description to confirm that the referenced range is correct.
5. If needed, open the related help entry for more details.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: You can see the function name, syntax, and parameter description.
• What you can do next: You can return to the worksheet and continue entering or editing the formula.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Focusing only on the function name and ignoring the parameter requirement can lead to #VALUE! errors.
• Environment note: The parameter requirement should match the current data range.