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In this article, you will learn what the BYCOL formula is and how to use it.

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This function is meant to be used with the LAMBDA function.

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The formula groups values by columns in a selected range or an array, allows the LAMBDA function to use the grouped values as input, and returns a computed value for each column in a row. 

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How to insert the BYCOL formula in Google Sheets

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• Type “=BYCOL” or go to “Insert” → “Function” → “Array” → “BYCOL”.

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• Select a range or an array to which you apply the LAMBDA by columns.

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• Enter a LAMBDA function with a placeholder and logic.

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• Press the “Enter” key.

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What is the BYCOL function in Google Sheets?

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The BYCOL function is beneficial when you want to run the LAMBDA function by columns and show each calculation result in a row.

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The BYCOL function automatically displays the results once you enter the appropriate formula in a cell.

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So, you don’t need to copy a formula and paste it to all cells in which you want to show calculation results.

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The generic syntax is as follows:

=BYCOL(array_or_range, lambda)

=BYCOL(array_or_range, lambda)

=BYCOL(array_or_range, lambda)

=BYCOL(array_or_range, lambda)

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Array_or_range: This array or range is used as input in the LAMBDA function.

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Lambda: Define the LAMBDA function such as LAMBDA(column, average(column)) with one argument and “formula_expression”. You can also use your Named Functions here. Note the argument corresponds to a series of values in a column. You can also use your Named Functions here.

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Imagine you are a finance manager. You want to do a financial analysis on competitors based on the data set in the picture. The BYCOL formula allows you to show calculation results by columns (meaning by items in the case below).

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Here are the assumptions in the formula in cell C42 in the screenshot above.

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Array_or_range: C36: G40

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Lambda: LAMBDA(ColumnValue,MAX(ColumnValue))