How to Use the INDEX Function in WPS on Windows

Use the INDEX function in 4 how-to topics, all available without membership in WPS Spreadsheet on Windows.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter the INDEX function

Entry point: Formulas tab → formula bar

1. Open WPS Spreadsheet and select the cell where you want to show the result.
2. Type = in the cell or in the formula bar.
3. Continue by typing INDEX(.
4. Check whether the function prompt appears.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: =INDEX( appears in the cell or formula bar.
• Next action available: You can continue entering arguments and complete the formula.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you do not start with =, the content is treated as plain text.
• Environment note: You need to enter the formula in an editable cell.

2. Fill in the arguments as prompted

Entry point: function input state in the formula bar

1. After INDEX(, enter the reference range.
2. Type a comma and enter the row number.
3. Type another comma and enter the column number.
4. Check that the closing parenthesis is complete.
5. Press Enter to confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The target cell shows the returned result.
• Next action available: You can select the result cell and continue editing the arguments in the formula bar.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Unmatched parentheses, missing arguments, or incorrect separators can cause formula errors.
• Environment note: The arguments need to match the actual row and column positions inside the selected range.

3. Reference another worksheet

Entry point: Formulas tab → formula bar

1. Select the result cell and type =INDEX(.
2. Switch to the worksheet that contains the source data.
3. Select the target data range as the reference range for INDEX.
4. Return to the current formula input and complete the row and column arguments.
5. Press Enter and review the returned result.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The current worksheet shows a value returned from another worksheet.
• Next action available: If the source data changes, the result updates accordingly.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Selecting the range from the wrong worksheet can return an unexpected value.
• Environment note: The referenced worksheet needs to keep a valid data range.

4. Combine INDEX with other functions

Entry point: Formulas tab → formula bar

1. Enter a combined formula that includes INDEX in the target cell.
2. Nest other functions or reference other cells as needed.
3. Check each level of parentheses and the argument order.
4. Press Enter to run the calculation.
5. Adjust the formula structure further if needed.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The cell returns the calculated result of the combined formula.
• Next action available: You can copy the formula to other cells for reuse.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: With multiple nested levels, argument positions can be entered incorrectly.
• Environment note: For complex formulas, editing in the formula bar makes the full content easier to review.