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What is a nested function?
In simple terms, a nested function is the use of multiple functions within a single formula. Nested functions are huge time savers and you will soon see for yourself in today's e-MOSTip.
A formula can contain up to seven levels of nested functions.
Let's get started learning how to create a nested function. You will be glad you learned this one!
Nested function scenario:
You have two columns of text information that you would like to join together as one column and propercase the text at the same time. The first two columns contain employee first and last names and the names are currently in all lowercase letters.
The goal for the nested function is to accomplish the following within a one single formula:
- Propercase the names
- Join the names together into one column
Two functions are needed for this (PROPER and CONCATENATE). These two functions can be nested within one single formula.
In previous tips you learned about these two functions separately but in this tip you will learn how you can nest them together into one formula when needed.
Nested function example:
Assuming that the first names are in column A and the last names are in column B, the formula would read as shown in the sample formula below.
Click where you want the formula results to be returned, type the formula and then enter.
Sample formula:
=PROPER(CONCATENATE(A1," ",B1))
Note: inside the quotes in the formula is a space which will provide a space between the first and last names when joined.
The above formula will join the contents of A1 and B1 together into the column where you create the formula. In addition, it will provide a space between the joined employee names and propercase the names.
Remember, when nesting functions you must have a matching number of closed parentheses for each open parentheses, which is why there are two closing parentheses in the sample formula.
Use the link below to access the brief training clip that will guide you visually through the process.
You will need the Adobe Flash player to run the training clip. If you do not have the player on your computer you may access the free download using the link below:
Have a great week!
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