Build readable, reusable custom functions with LAMBDA()

Build readable, reusable custom functions with LAMBDA()


LAMBDA, the new addition to Zoho Sheet's function gallery, has the potential to change the way you work with formulas in your spreadsheet. The function helps make your formulas more readable and reusable. You can create custom functions that fit your needs and use them anywhere you want in the spreadsheet. 

Creating custom functions

Let's say you pay out 10% of your sales revenue as your representative's commission. You'd probably use a formula that calculates 10% of any given input. To calculate 10% of any given value without having to key-in the actual formula, you'll need a custom function. With the LAMBDA function, you can configure an input, which here is the sales revenue, and write a custom function that gives out the commission as a result. 
=LAMBDA(sales;sales*10/100)


Defining a name + LAMBDA() = Reusable Custom Functions

Take our last example of wanting to calculate commission for sales reps. Now, let's say you want to use the function across sheets and cell ranges. Instead of building the same formula repeatedly, you can name a LAMBDA function and reuse it anywhere you want! 
For instance, name the =LAMBDA(sales;sales*10/100) function "RepCommission." Now, you can use the =RepCommission in any place you need. Just give a numeric input for sales and you'll have the commission amount.
The best part about naming a LAMBDA function is that it makes your spreadsheet formulas completely self-explanatory.  


Easily editable formulas

Custom functions created with name-defined LAMBDA() can be edited any time, and this change will reflect on all occurrences. Let's suppose you're increasing your sales commission from 10% to 15%. Before, you'd have to replace all the formula inputs individually. Now that you've used the =RepCommission function, editing it in the Define Name dialog box will sort your spreadsheet, making changes to every occurrence thus far.


LAMBDA's recursion support 

Before LAMBDA, your spreadsheet functions could not refer to themselves, meaning they cannot loop themselves to arrive at a result or a string of results. To put it simply, the result of a LAMBDA can be fed as an input of the same function. 
For example, here's a LAMBDA function that'll help you with the sum of all digits in a number -



These are just a few ways the new LAMBDA function can help you build better spreadsheets. The function is now open to everyone, and we can't wait for you to try it. Tell us about the different things you did with the LAMBDA() function in the comments below! If you have any queries, do let us know by dropping an email to support@zohosheet.com.

    Access your files securely from anywhere

        All-in-one knowledge management and training platform for your employees and customers.






                              Zoho Developer Community




                                                    • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                    • Digest


                                                    • Functions


                                                    • Meetups


                                                    • Kbase


                                                    • Resources


                                                    • Glossary


                                                    • Desk Marketplace


                                                    • MVP Corner


                                                    • Word of the Day


                                                    • Ask the Experts



                                                              • Sticky Posts

                                                              • Introducing a smarter, faster, and more flexible charting experience

                                                                Hello Zoho Sheet users, We're delighted to share the latest news about a major update to charts in Zoho Sheet! The new version supports dynamic data ranges, granular styling options, faster loading, and other interesting enhancements that allow you to
                                                              • What's new in Zoho Sheet: Simplify data entry and collaboration

                                                                Hello, Zoho Sheet community! Last year, our team was focused on research and development so we could deliver updates that enhance your spreadsheet experience. This year, we’re excited to deliver those enhancements—but we'll be rolling them out incrementally
                                                              • New Features: Repeat Last Action, Insert Cut/Copied Rows/Columns and Hyperlink

                                                                You might have noticed the constant updates to Zoho Sheet of late. Here are 3 more features that have been added to Zoho Sheet recently: F4 - Repeat Last Action Insert Cut/Copied Rows and Columns Insert Hyperlink Here is a screen cast demonstrating each of these features. Read further below to learn more about these new features. F4 - Repeat Last Action: You can now repeat the last action you made on your spreadsheet by using the keyboard shortcut, F4. It is quite handy and helps you get your work
                                                              • Introducing Forms in Zoho Sheet

                                                                We hereby bring you the power of ​forms in Zoho Sheet. ​Now, build and create your own customized forms using Zoho Sheet. Be it compiling a questionnaire or rolling out a survey, Zoho Sheet can do it all for you. Forms is an excellent feature that helps you collect information in the simplest of ways and having it in Zoho Sheet takes it a notch higher. Build Simple yet Powerful forms Building forms using Zoho Sheet is fairly simple. The exclusive 'Form' tab lets you create one quickly. Whether you
                                                              • Slicers are now available in Zoho Sheet—filter your data interactively

                                                                At Zoho Sheet, we diligently track user requests and feedback. In line with this, based on extensive user requests, we've integrated Slicers to pivot tables and are delighted to announce its release. Slicers are interactive visual filters that have add,


                                                              Manage your brands on social media



                                                                    Zoho TeamInbox Resources



                                                                        Zoho CRM Plus Resources

                                                                          Zoho Books Resources


                                                                            Zoho Subscriptions Resources

                                                                              Zoho Projects Resources


                                                                                Zoho Sprints Resources


                                                                                  Qntrl Resources


                                                                                    Zoho Creator Resources



                                                                                        Zoho CRM Resources

                                                                                        • CRM Community Learning Series

                                                                                          CRM Community Learning Series


                                                                                        • Kaizen

                                                                                          Kaizen

                                                                                        • Functions

                                                                                          Functions

                                                                                        • Meetups

                                                                                          Meetups

                                                                                        • Kbase

                                                                                          Kbase

                                                                                        • Resources

                                                                                          Resources

                                                                                        • Digest

                                                                                          Digest

                                                                                        • CRM Marketplace

                                                                                          CRM Marketplace

                                                                                        • MVP Corner

                                                                                          MVP Corner







                                                                                            Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                            Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                            Get Started Now


                                                                                              Zoho Show Resources

                                                                                                Zoho Writer

                                                                                                Get Started. Write Away!

                                                                                                Writer is a powerful online word processor, designed for collaborative work.

                                                                                                  Zoho CRM コンテンツ




                                                                                                    Nederlandse Hulpbronnen


                                                                                                        ご検討中の方