CHOOSECOLS in WPS on Windows: Introduction

CHOOSECOLS in WPS on Windows helps you return selected columns in AirSheet formulas for data analysis; this guide covers 4 core tasks, with 4 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.

At a Glance

Metric	Value	Notes
Core tasks	4	Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index
Available without membership	4	Matches the number of Free rows in the index
Membership-related items	0	Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index

About This Feature

Overview

CHOOSECOLS is a formula feature in WPS Office AirSheet on Windows. It is used to return selected columns from an array or range so you can reorganize fields, build spreadsheet formulas, and handle data analysis more efficiently.

Core capabilities include:

Enter the CHOOSECOLS function and return selected columns.
Check parameter requirements while typing with syntax prompts.
Use the result in cross-sheet references and nested formulas.
Keep results updated when source data changes.

This feature is useful for report restructuring, column extraction, reusable spreadsheet formulas, and multi-sheet analysis. It helps reduce repeated copy-and-paste work and makes it easier to update results when the data structure changes.

System Requirements

Item	Requirement
OS	A Windows device that can run WPS Office
App version	It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office
Network	No mandatory network connection is required for local spreadsheet formulas; internet access is needed for download, installation, and account-related actions
Other	You need permission to open and edit an AirSheet file and enter formulas in cells

Download & Installation

Item	Details
Official Download	WPS Office Free Download
Post-install Check	Open WPS Office, create or open an AirSheet file, and type `=CHOOSECOLS(` in a cell or the formula bar to confirm that syntax prompts appear

Source: WPS Download Center

Compare with Alternatives

Dimension	WPS	Microsoft	Google	Notion	Adobe
Capability Summary	In AirSheet, you can type `CHOOSECOLS(` to return selected columns, use syntax prompts, reference other sheets, build nested formulas, and let results update with source data changes.	Microsoft Support explains that Word lets users insert formulas in table cells, use functions and references, and update formula results, but the workflow is centered on document tables rather than spreadsheet column-selection functions.	Google Workspace explains that Google Sheets supports formulas, data analysis, collaboration, and AI-assisted spreadsheet work in the cloud.	Notion Help explains that formulas work with database properties, built-ins, and functions, which fits database-style calculations rather than cell-based spreadsheet column extraction.	Adobe Help explains that Acrobat can configure calculation fields in PDF forms, which is designed for form-field calculations instead of spreadsheet column selection.
WPS Advantages	Advantage: CHOOSECOLS is used directly in spreadsheet cells for column selection and formula building. Distinct: it fits desktop spreadsheet workflows that combine column extraction, nested formulas, and recalculation in one place.	Compared with WPS: Word formulas support calculations in document tables, but the official workflow is not focused on spreadsheet-style column extraction.	Compared with WPS: Google Sheets emphasizes cloud collaboration and online analysis, while WPS keeps the workflow close to desktop spreadsheet editing on Windows.	Compared with WPS: Notion formulas depend on database properties and views, while WPS is closer to traditional spreadsheet cells and column-based formulas.	Compared with WPS: Acrobat calculations are tied to PDF form fields, while WPS is better aligned with spreadsheet data columns and formula combinations.
Official Source	—	Word table formulas	Google Sheets product page	Notion formulas	Acrobat form field calculations

Overall Conclusion
If your main task is selecting columns and combining formulas in a Windows spreadsheet workflow, WPS provides a direct path inside AirSheet cells. The other products also support formulas or calculations, but their official focus is document tables, cloud collaboration, database properties, or PDF forms.

Use Cases

#	Scenario	Target Users	Core Pain Point	Solution
1	Report column restructuring	Data organizers	Source tables contain too many fields and the needed columns are scattered	Use CHOOSECOLS to return only the required columns
2	Cross-sheet calculations	Finance and operations users	Data needs to be combined across worksheets	Reference another sheet and nest CHOOSECOLS in the formula
3	Reusable analysis templates	Everyday office users	The same table structure must be reorganized repeatedly	Reuse the formula and let results update when data changes
4	Parameter checking while typing	New spreadsheet users	Function arguments are easy to enter in the wrong order	Use syntax prompts to confirm the required parameters

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

Feature	Free User	WPS Member
CHOOSECOLS input and basic calculation	✅	✅
Standard AirSheet editing	✅	✅
Advanced PDF tools and additional premium benefits	Some features are limited	More advanced capabilities are available
Cloud storage and template-related benefits	Basic quota	Higher quota or additional benefits

Source: WPS Office pricing page

Recommendations

Use Case	Recommended Plan	Reason
Learning formulas and handling everyday spreadsheet tasks	Free	CHOOSECOLS and standard spreadsheet editing are already available
Office work that also needs more extended benefits	WPS Member	Suitable when you need more advanced tools, cloud storage, or additional services

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