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In this article
LAMBDA turns a formula into a reusable custom function. Save it in Name Manager and use it like any built-in function — no VBA.
Syntax
=LAMBDA([parameter1, ...], calculation)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
parameter |
Inputs your function receives. |
calculation |
The formula using those inputs. |
Examples
Example 1
=LAMBDA(amt, rate, amt*(1+rate))(1000, 18%)Test a lambda directly in a cell: 1180.
Example 2
Name: GSTINCL Refers to: =LAMBDA(amt, rate, ROUND(amt*(1+rate), 2))Then use =GSTINCL(B2, 18%) anywhere in the workbook.
Power combo
=BYROW(B2:M20, LAMBDA(r, SUM(r)))Row totals for a whole table in one formula.
LAMBDA in practice
Where you will use it
- Your own reusable function like =GSTINCL(amt)
- Clean up repeated logic
- Share functions across a workbook
Worked example
| Amount | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 | =LAMBDA(a,ROUND(a*1.18,2))(A2) | 1180 |
| 250 | =LAMBDA(a,ROUND(a*1.18,2))(A3) | 295 |
| 99 | =LAMBDA(a,ROUND(a*1.18,2))(A4) | 116.82 |
Results calculated in Excel.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Not naming it | Save it in Name Manager to call it by name |
| Debugging | Test with an inline call first, as here |
Related functions
LET · BYROW · MAP · SCAN
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📎 Practice files for this article
- 📗Practice workbook: Logic, LET & LAMBDA17 tasks on realistic sales data — type your formula, the Check column turns green when it is right. Answers sheet included.⬇ XLSX · 35 KB
Free to use for learning. Files with macros (.bas) are plain text — import them with Alt+F11 → File → Import File, and always test on a copy.
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