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Simple and Complex Functions

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(@desireefyi)
Posts: 2
New Member
Topic starter
 

Can you explain what a complex function is verses a simple function?Smile

 
Posted : 20/05/2020 3:54 pm
(@mynda)
Posts: 4761
Member Admin
 

Hi Desiree,

As I explained when you emailed me about this same question:

"Excel functionality isn’t typically classified as ‘complex formulas’ or ‘complex functions’. The term ‘complex’ is an opinion, rather than an official term used to describe Excel functionality.

Whether something is simple or complex in part comes down to your experience. For me, PivotTables and VLOOKUP are simple, but I know for many beginners, PivotTables and formulas are daunting."

It sounds like you're writing documentation that classifies functions into these categories; complex and simple but there is no official definition.. As I said, it's a matter of opinion. As a Microsoft Excel MVP I can tell you first hand that Microsoft do not use these terms to classify functions or any other functionality in Excel.

I don't recommend you attempt to either, as it may deter people from trying to learn functions you classify as 'complex'. After all, everything is easy once you master it.

Mynda

 
Posted : 20/05/2020 7:01 pm
(@desireefyi)
Posts: 2
New Member
Topic starter
 

Hello Mynda,

I appreciate your response. I am not writing up anything to determine if an excel function is complex or simple. I agree it is a manner of opinion as I believe they are simple as well. I believe all accountants should be tested on these skills. I wanted to get an expert opinion on these functions which I did from you. I

Desiree 

 
Posted : 21/05/2020 8:38 pm
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