Entering Formula

[HESH]

Hello
Which is better and why ?
when entering formula to use Function dialog box , or entering the formula directly in cells

 

[Richard Schollar]

I guess it depends on whether you know what all the function arguments are and what data each is expecting.

 

[JamesW]

Hi,

They are both the same. The Function dialog box can help you understand what the formula does, and what the different variables are.

 

[HESH]

Thank you both
but in the case of mid-level, whichever you prefer?
i think that Professionals do not use Function dialog , because it is not good fr nested formula , is this true !

 

[Richard Schollar]

I wouldn't use it (for most formulas) because it's a waste of my time as I know what the sequence of arguments is and what data I want to put in each).

 

[HESH]

Thank you richard

 

[T. Valko]

If you use Excel 2002 or later and have function tooltips enabled this is pretty much the same thing in a more compact display.

This comes in handy when you're several levels deep in a complex formula by letting you know which function you're providing the arguments to.

On a related note, Excel 2007 and later has a formula auto complete feature that lets you select the functions from a drop down list. Personally, I hate this and disabled it but you may find it helpful.