{"id":33337,"date":"2024-11-13T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/?p=33337"},"modified":"2024-11-23T15:24:31","modified_gmt":"2024-11-23T15:24:31","slug":"demystifying-the-excel-let-function","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/2024\/11\/13\/demystifying-the-excel-let-function\/","title":{"rendered":"Demystifying the Excel LET Function"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 admin_label=\u201dsection\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row admin_label=\u201drow\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 background_size=\u201dinitial\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_repeat=\u201drepeat\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||0px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0|0px|0|0px|false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 custom_padding=\u201d|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d custom_padding__hover=\u201d|||\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.24.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]

Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If you haven\u2019t tried the LET function in your Excel formulas yet, you\u2019re really missing out, especially if you work with a lot of formulas!\u00a0 LET is a unique function that lets you define reusable variables in your formulas. It\u2019s a key programming concept, and LET is further blurring the lines between Excel functions and programming languages.\u00a0 If you\u2019re familiar with named ranges, LET works a bit like that.<\/p>\n
In this article, we\u2019ll look at what it is, how it works, why you should use it, some tips to use, some gotchas to watch out for, and five common examples of where you might want to use it.\u00a0 Make sure to download the example file below to see these examples in action!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_signup provider=\u201dmailerlite\u201d mailerlite_list=\u201dXLEV8_WP_API|85744827291928411\u2033 first_name_field=\u201doff\u201d last_name_field=\u201doff\u201d success_action=\u201dredirect\u201d success_redirect_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/LET-Examples_2024-11-13.xlsx\u201d success_redirect_query=\u201doff|off|off|off|off\u201d title=\u201dDownload Example File\u201d button_text=\u201dGet Example File\u201d description=\u201d
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We won\u2019t pass your details on to anyone else. By clicking the sign up button, you agree to our <\/span>Terms of Use<\/a> and <\/span>Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d form_field_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_layout=\u201dlight\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 border_width_all=\u201d3px\u201d border_color_all=\u201d#000000\u2033 border_width_all_fields=\u201d1px\u201d border_color_all_fields=\u201d#000000\u2033 saved_tabs=\u201dall\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033][\/et_pb_signup][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d||0px|||\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]
What is LET?<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]
The word \u201clet\u201d is a commonly-used word in many programming languages for defining variables. Variables allow you to store a value and reuse it over and over. With the LET function in Excel, these variables can refer to:<\/p>\n
\n
Constant values<\/li>\n
Ranges<\/li>\n
Formula calculations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Within a LET function, you can define one or more names to be used in calculations you may already be using or consider using.\u00a0 It\u2019s a lot like named ranges where you can refer to the name instead of a reference, only the scope is just within the formula, not all throughout a sheet or file.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d||0px|||\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]
How do you use LET?<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]
First, supply a name.\u00a0 Then for that name, define a constant value, a range to reference, or a calculation.\u00a0 Then if needed, use more names and corresponding definitions.\u00a0 Finally, include a calculation that uses those names where you\u2019d normally put the value, range, or calculation.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s the syntax when you need to define one name:
=LET(name1,value1, result)<\/em><\/p>\n
And here\u2019s the syntax when you need to define multiple names:
=LET(name1,value1,[name2\/value2],\u2026,result)<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d||0px|||\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]
Why should you use LET?<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]
There are three key reasons people tend to use the LET function:<\/p>\n
Performance optimization<\/strong> \u2013 any variables you define (especially those with their own formula calculations) only have to be calculated once and they can be referenced over and over again in further calculations within your formula.<\/p>\n
Simplicity<\/strong> \u2013 reusing variables means less repetitive formula parts, and you can front-load and isolate several different calculations such that the variable names and the rest of the formula can read much easier.<\/p>\n
Agility<\/strong> \u2013 it\u2019s much easier to update the calculation in one place (the variable) than multiple places (all throughout the formula).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d||0px|||\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]
Tips<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of the LET function:<\/p>\n
\n
Up to 126 name\/value pairs can be defined in one LET function before the resulting calculation argument.<\/li>\n
Earlier-defined variables can be used by later ones \u2013 native nesting!<\/li>\n
Use consistent, descriptive names for variables for clarity (not just in one individual LET function, but throughout your workbooks).<\/li>\n
Use line breaks (Alt+Enter) to separate functions and arguments for clarity \u2013 some people like for each name\/definition to be on a separate line.<\/li>\n
Consider unused variables for comments Ex: =LET(x,5.6, c_1,\u201dx is the start\u201d,[calc])<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d||0px|||\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033] Gotchas<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]
There are also a few gotchas to be aware of when using the LET function:<\/p>\n
\n
Variables are not color-coded like repeated references and helper columns, which might make it tougher to build and troubleshoot.<\/li>\n
Variables are not evaluated<\/b> (when examining each step\/argument in a formula works) with F9 formula evaluation.<\/li>\n
Be careful not to accidentally create circular references<\/b> with definitions \u2013 it can be easy to do this when defining names that refer to themselves.<\/li>\n
Try to use LET when it makes formulas less complex, not more (it\u2019s easy to do this!).<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d||0px|||\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]
Examples<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]Example 1: Simplify multiple lookups<\/strong>\n\nIf you use the same functions containing a lot of text, LET helps you set them once and reuse them!\n\n\n\nExample 2: Simplify narratives<\/strong>\n\nIf you use Excel to draft narratives, the formula can get messy and tough to read. LET allows you to clarify it!\n\n\n\nExample 3: Simplify date calculations<\/strong>\n\nDate calculations in Excel can get tricky. LET allows you to simplify them by setting a value, reference, or array once!\n\n\n\nExample 4: Simplify tiered commission calculations<\/strong>\n\nTiered tax or commission calculations can be difficult to build and maintain. LET simplifies them by setting variables!\n\n\n\nExample 5: Finding the most-improved player<\/strong>\n\nLET isn\u2019t just for defining variables, it can handle arrays and return multiple results, even for different attributes!\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_signup provider=\u201dmailerlite\u201d mailerlite_list=\u201dXLEV8_WP_API|85744827291928411\u2033 first_name_field=\u201doff\u201d last_name_field=\u201doff\u201d success_action=\u201dredirect\u201d success_redirect_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/LET-Examples_2024-11-13.xlsx\u201d success_redirect_query=\u201doff|off|on|off|off\u201d title=\u201dDownload Example File\u201d button_text=\u201dGet Example File\u201d description=\u201d
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We won\u2019t pass your details on to anyone else. By clicking the sign up button, you agree to our <\/span>Terms of Use<\/a> and <\/span>Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d form_field_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_layout=\u201dlight\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 border_width_all=\u201d3px\u201d border_color_all=\u201d#000000\u2033 border_width_all_fields=\u201d1px\u201d border_color_all_fields=\u201d#000000\u2033 saved_tabs=\u201dall\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033][\/et_pb_signup][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.20.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]
Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n
As you can see, LET is pretty unique.\u00a0 Is it crucial for all your Excel files?\u00a0 Probably not.\u00a0 But it\u2019s a great tool to simplify and organize the different parts of your formulas in a way that helps you build them, understand them, and update them more easily.\u00a0 For your more involved formulas, especially for the resource-intensive ones, consider defining variables with LET and pay it forward to your colleagues and your future self!<\/p>\n
In what creative ways have you used the LET function?\u00a0 Let us know in the comments below!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n<\/body><\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ever wondered how you could simplify your Excel formulas AND make them calculate faster? The LET function is here to the rescue! Learn about this unique function with tips, gotchas, and several examples.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":33361,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33,16],"tags":[34,12,22],"class_list":["post-33337","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-efficiency","category-excel-tips","tag-efficiency","tag-excel","tag-formulas"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Excel-LET_Social-Cover_2024-11-13.png?fit=3200%2C1800&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33337","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33337"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33337\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33418,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33337\/revisions\/33418"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33361"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33337"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33337"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33337"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}