How to Use the MDETERM Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 17, 2026

This how-to guide includes 4 topics for using MDETERM, with 4 free topics and 0 membership-related topics, so you can jump to the task you need from the index.

How-to Index

#TopicMembership
11. Enter the MDETERM functionFree
22. Fill in arguments with syntax promptsFree
33. Use cross-sheet referencesFree
44. Handle nested calculations and automatic recalculationFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the MDETERM function

Entry point: Formulas tab → formula bar

  1. Open AirSheet and select the cell where you want to show the result.
  2. Type = to start the formula.
  3. Type MDETERM(.
  4. Enter the matrix range or array argument.
  5. Press Enter to complete the calculation.

Success Criteria

  • UI state: The target cell shows a calculation result.
  • Next actions: You can continue editing the formula or adjust the referenced range.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistakes: If you do not type = first, the content may be treated as plain text.
  • Environment limits: The input range needs to meet square matrix requirements.

2. Fill in arguments with syntax prompts

Entry point: Function prompt in the formula bar

  1. In a cell, type =MDETERM(.
  2. Review the syntax prompt that appears.
  3. Enter the correct argument range based on the prompt.
  4. Check that parentheses and separators are complete.
  5. Press Enter to finish.

Success Criteria

  • UI state: The formula input shows a complete function.
  • Next actions: You can revise the arguments and recalculate.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistakes: Unmatched parentheses or incorrect separators can cause a formula error.

3. Use cross-sheet references

Entry point: Formula bar → select a range on another worksheet

  1. In the result cell, type =MDETERM(.
  2. Switch to the worksheet that contains the matrix data.
  3. Select the square matrix range you want to use.
  4. Return to the current worksheet and check the reference.
  5. Press Enter to return the result.

Success Criteria

  • UI state: The formula includes a cross-sheet reference.
  • Next actions: If the source data changes, the result can update again.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistakes: If the referenced range does not have the same number of rows and columns, the result will not be correct.

4. Handle nested calculations and automatic recalculation

Entry point: Formula bar

  1. Combine MDETERM with other functions as an inner or outer formula.
  2. Check that every level of parentheses is complete.
  3. Edit the referenced data range.
  4. Watch whether the result cell updates automatically.
  5. If needed, review the formula structure and calculate again.

Success Criteria

  • UI state: The result updates when the data changes.
  • Next actions: You can continue expanding the formula into a more complex calculation.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistakes: With deeper nesting, it is easy to miss parentheses or reference ranges.