How to Use the SWITCH Function in WPS on Windows

Use the SWITCH function through 3 topics: inserting it from the dialog box, typing the formula directly, and reviewing syntax and arguments; 3 items are available without membership and 0 are membership-related.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Insert SWITCH from the Insert Function dialog box

Entry point: Formulas tab → Insert Function, or the fx button in the formula bar

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 SWITCH in the dialog box.
4. Select the function and confirm.
5. Enter the arguments in the Function Arguments dialog box.
6. Confirm to insert the formula.

Success Criteria

• The selected cell now contains a SWITCH formula.
• The formula bar shows a =SWITCH(...) structure.
• The worksheet remains ready for further editing or argument changes.

Tips While Using

• Search with the uppercase name SWITCH to find the function more quickly.
• Enter arguments in the order of expression, match value, return result, and default value.
• If the result looks incorrect, reopen the dialog box and check whether each match value and result pair is complete.

2. Type the formula directly in a cell

Entry point: a worksheet cell or the formula bar

1. Select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
2. Type =SWITCH(...) directly in the cell or in the formula bar.
3. Press Enter to confirm.
4. Check the returned result to see whether the formula matched the expected condition.

Success Criteria

• The cell shows a calculated result instead of plain formula text.
• When the cell is selected, the full SWITCH formula is visible in the formula bar.
• The formula can be filled down or copied to other cells.

Tips While Using

• Use English commas as argument separators to avoid formula errors.
• If no default value is set and nothing matches, the result may return an error.
• When copying the formula in bulk, check whether relative and absolute references are set as expected.

3. Review syntax and argument details

Entry point: Formulas tab → Insert Function

1. Click Insert Function on the Formulas tab.
2. Enter SWITCH in the search box.
3. Select the function to review its syntax and argument details.
4. If a help entry is available in the interface, open it for more detailed guidance.
5. Return to the worksheet and revise the formula as needed.

Success Criteria

• You can see the syntax structure and argument details for SWITCH.
• You can distinguish the roles of the expression, match values, return results, and default value.
• You can revise an existing formula based on the guidance.

Tips While Using

• If the returned result does not match expectations, first check whether the compared values use the same data type.
• If text values contain extra spaces, clean the data before comparing.
• If online help opens in your environment, keep your internet connection available.