How to Use the XIRR Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 20, 2026

This section includes 4 how-to topics, all available in WPS Spreadsheet on Windows; choose a topic from the index and follow the entry point and steps to complete the task.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership Requirement
11. Enter the XIRR functionFree
22. Fill in the function argumentsFree
33. Check and confirm the resultFree
44. Recalculate after data changesFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the XIRR function

Entry point: Formula bar or target cell

  1. Open WPS Spreadsheet and load the worksheet you want to calculate.
  2. Select the cell where you want the result to appear.
  3. Type = in the formula bar or directly in the cell.
  4. Continue with XIRR( and check the syntax hint that appears.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The selected cell enters formula editing mode and shows XIRR-related hints.
  • Next action available: You can continue entering amount, date, and optional guess arguments.

Tips While Using

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

2. Fill in the function arguments

Entry point: Current formula editing state

  1. After XIRR(, enter the cash flow amount range first.
  2. Type a comma, then enter the matching date range.
  3. If needed, enter a third argument as the guess value; otherwise, leave it out.
  4. Check that the parentheses, separators, and referenced ranges are complete.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The formula includes the amount and date arguments in a complete format.
  • Next action available: You can press Enter to submit the formula and view the result.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If the amount range and date range do not contain the same number of items, the formula may return an error.
  • Common mistake: Date values stored as text can affect the calculation.

3. Check and confirm the result

Entry point: Result cell after formula entry

  1. Press Enter to confirm the formula.
  2. Check whether the result cell returns a numeric value.
  3. If an error appears, review the argument count, parentheses, and date format.
  4. If needed, format the cell as a percentage or general number.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The cell returns a usable result or a clear error type for correction.
  • Next action available: You can copy the formula, adjust formatting, or change the referenced ranges.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If the cash flow series does not include both positive and negative values, the function may not return a valid result.
  • Common mistake: Unrecognized text dates can cause abnormal results.

4. Recalculate after data changes

Entry point: Worksheet with an existing XIRR formula

  1. Edit the cash flow amounts or matching dates.
  2. Return to the result cell and check whether the value updates.
  3. If the result is not as expected, review whether the referenced range includes the new or changed data.
  4. Edit the formula if needed so it points to the latest data range.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The result updates with the changed data, or updates after the reference range is corrected.
  • Next action available: You can continue with analysis, comparison, or report preparation.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Newly added data outside the original reference range will not be included automatically.
  • Environment note: If the worksheet is protected, you may not be able to edit the formula or source data directly.