LAMBDA function
Quick answer
LAMBDA creates your own function from a formula: name the inputs, then write the calculation, as in LAMBDA(price, rate, price*(1+rate)).
- Syntax
=LAMBDA([parameter1], [parameter2], ..., calculation)- Most common use
=LAMBDA(p,r,p*(1+r))(A2,B2)returns $86.40 (Defined and called in one formula)
Call it at once with values in parentheses after it, give it a name with LET or the Name Manager, or pass it to MAP, BYROW, REDUCE and the other helpers that run it on every row or value.
- Available in
- Excel 2024 and Microsoft 365
- Category
- Dynamic array functions
- Returns
- A function. On its own in a cell it shows #CALC!; called with values, it returns the calculation's result.
- Google Sheets
- Available in Google Sheets, where saved ones are called named functions.
Syntax
=LAMBDA([parameter1], [parameter2], ..., calculation)
| Argument | Required? | What it is |
|---|---|---|
parameter1 | Optional | A name for the first input, such as price. Avoid names that look like cell addresses, such as A1. |
parameter2 | Optional | Optional: names for more inputs. |
calculation | Required | The formula that uses the inputs. Its result is the function's result. |
Examples
Each result below is calculated from the sample sheet by our formula engine, the same one that grades the practice.
| Cell | Formula | Result | What it shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| C2 | =LAMBDA(p,r,p*(1+r))(A2,B2) | $86.40 | Defined and called in one formula |
| C3 | =LET(withTax,LAMBDA(p,r,p*(1+r)),withTax(A3,B3)) | $132.81 | Named with LET, then called by name |
| C4 | =MAP(A2:A3,B2:B3,LAMBDA(p,r,ROUND(p*(1+r),2))) | $86.40spills 2 × 1 | Passed to MAP to run on every row |
Try it live
This is the sample sheet. Change any number or text, or edit a formula, and the results update.
Show the sample data as a table
| Price | Tax rate | Result |
| $80.00 | 8% | $86.40 |
| $125.00 | 6.25% | $132.81 |
| $86.40 | ||
| $132.81 |
Practice LAMBDA
Graded instantly, then re-checked on changed data.
Your own discount function
D2, use LAMBDA to define a calculation with two inputs, a price and a discount rate, that returns the discounted price, and call it on B2 and C2. Fill down to D6.Common mistakes
| What you see | Why, and how to fix it |
|---|---|
| #CALC! in the cell | A LAMBDA on its own is a function, not a value. Call it with values after it: =LAMBDA(x,x*2)(A2). |
| #VALUE! | You passed more or fewer values than the LAMBDA has inputs. |
| #NAME? | An input name looks like a cell address, such as TAX1, or is spelled differently in the calculation. |
Tips
- In Excel, save a LAMBDA in Formulas > Name Manager with a name such as ADDTAX, and use =ADDTAX(A2,B2) anywhere in the workbook.
Questions
What is LAMBDA in Excel?
A way to define your own function with a formula. LAMBDA(x, x*2) is a function that doubles its input.
How do I reuse a LAMBDA?
Name it in the Name Manager in Excel or as a named function in Google Sheets, or name it with LET inside one formula.
Updated Checked by running: every formula on this page was run by our formula engine on .