Array formula speed

[bkb]

I've heard that array formula are typically less efficient, i.e. slower, than regular formulas. Looking for a way to demonstrate this, would appreciate some ideas.

Thanks.

 

[RalphA]

If you consider a "normal" formula, with a term such as A1, as compared to an "array" formula, that includes the term A1:A100, it would seem obvious that the array formula is going to have to compare 100 cells, vs 1 cell in the "normal" formula. Thus, the array formula will take much longer to execute than the "normal" formula.

How much longer an array formula takes would depend on too many factors to even guess at a number, starting with the number of cells in the array considered.