How to Use the NPV Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 17, 2026

Use the NPV function with 4 how-to topics in WPS Spreadsheets on Windows; all 4 are available without membership and 0 are membership-related.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership Requirement
11. Enter the NPV functionFree
22. Fill in arguments from the syntax promptFree
33. Use cross-sheet references and nested formulasFree
44. Refresh and verify the resultFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the NPV function

Entry point: Formula tab → formula bar

  1. Open WPS Spreadsheets and select the cell where you want the result to appear.
  2. Type = in the formula bar or directly in the cell.
  3. Continue by typing NPV(.
  4. Check the on-screen function prompt to confirm that the formula editor is active.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The cell or formula bar shows =NPV(.
  • What you can do next: You can continue entering the discount rate and cash flow arguments.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If you do not start with =, the entry may be treated as plain text.
  • Environment note: You need to work in an editable worksheet cell.

2. Fill in arguments from the syntax prompt

Entry point: NPV syntax prompt in the formula bar

  1. After typing NPV(, review the syntax prompt shown by WPS.
  2. Enter the discount rate first.
  3. Continue entering the cash flow arguments, separated as required.
  4. Check that the parentheses are complete.
  5. Press Enter to confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The cell shows a calculated result instead of an error.
  • What you can do next: You can select the cell again to review or edit the formula.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Incorrect argument count or separators can cause a formula error.
  • Environment note: The cell format should allow normal calculation.

3. Use cross-sheet references and nested formulas

Entry point: Formula bar

  1. Select the target cell and start the NPV formula.
  2. At the cash flow argument position, switch to another worksheet and select the needed cell or range.
  3. Return to the current formula and complete the remaining arguments.
  4. If needed, nest other functions around NPV or inside its arguments.
  5. Press Enter to finish the formula.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The formula includes cross-sheet references or a nested structure.
  • What you can do next: You can change referenced data and review the updated result.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: An incorrect reference range can affect the final net present value.
  • Environment note: Referenced worksheets should contain numeric values that can be calculated.

4. Refresh and verify the result

Entry point: Result cell / Enter key / F9

  1. After finishing the formula, check whether the result cell shows a normal numeric value.
  2. If referenced data changes, check whether the result updates automatically.
  3. If the result does not update in time, press F9 to trigger recalculation manually.
  4. If the result looks incorrect, return to the formula bar and review argument types, parentheses, and references.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The result cell shows the updated numeric value.
  • What you can do next: You can continue adjusting arguments and recalculate again.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Numbers stored as text or circular references can cause incorrect results.
  • Environment note: Manual recalculation depends on the worksheet remaining editable.