How to Use the BYCOL Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 20, 2026

Use BYCOL through 4 free how-to topics, from entering the function to checking recalculation results.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership
11. Enter the BYCOL functionFree
22. Review syntax guidance and fill in argumentsFree
33. Use cross-sheet references in a BYCOL formulaFree
44. Check results and trigger recalculationFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the BYCOL function

Feature path: Formulas tab → formula bar

  1. Open WPS Spreadsheets and select the cell where you want the result.
  2. Type = in the cell or formula bar.
  3. Type BYCOL(.
  4. Get ready to enter the required arguments.

Success Criteria

  • The cell is in formula editing mode.
  • You can continue entering the function arguments.

Tips While Using

  • If you do not start with =, the content may be treated as plain text.

2. Review syntax guidance and fill in arguments

Feature path: formula bar → function syntax guidance

  1. After typing BYCOL(, review the syntax guidance that appears automatically.
  2. Confirm the argument order and required structure.
  3. Enter the correct arguments.
  4. Press Enter to confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

  • The cell shows a calculation result.
  • You can reopen the cell and edit the formula again.

Tips While Using

  • Missing brackets or incorrect separators can cause formula errors.

3. Use cross-sheet references in a BYCOL formula

Feature path: formula bar → reference another worksheet

  1. Place the cursor at the argument position that needs a reference.
  2. Switch to the target worksheet and select the needed range.
  3. Confirm that the cross-sheet reference appears in the formula.
  4. Finish the remaining arguments and press Enter.

Success Criteria

  • The formula includes a cross-sheet reference.
  • You can return to the result cell and review the column-based output.

Tips While Using

  • Selecting the wrong range will affect the final result.

4. Check results and trigger recalculation

Feature path: result cell → review after source data changes

  1. Edit the source data used by the formula.
  2. Check whether the BYCOL result updates automatically.
  3. If needed, press F9 to recalculate manually.
  4. Review the updated result.

Success Criteria

  • The result refreshes after data changes or manual recalculation.
  • You can continue editing source data or reuse the formula.

Tips While Using

  • Text-formatted numbers in the source range can affect calculation results.