The WRAPROWS function in Microsoft Excel offers a convenient way to manage and organize data. With this function, users can effortlessly arrange data across multiple rows, break down wide datasets, enhance readability, and improve how information appears on the spreadsheet.
This article will explore the WRAPROWS function and its capabilities and demonstrate how to use it effectively.
What Is the WRAPROWS Function in Excel?
The WRAPROWS function works by converting a one-dimensional array into a two-dimensional array. Simply put, the WRAPROWS function converts values in a row or column into an array of values in separate rows. The number of rows depends on what you specify.
This function is a newly released function and is thus available to all Microsoft 365 users. Even theMicrosoft 365 Basic Tierhas access to it.
The WRAPROWS Function Syntax
The syntax of the WRAPROWS function is as follows:
The function has three arguments. Let’s break down each argument of the function:
How to Use the WRAPROWS Function in Excel
Let’s start with a basic example. Assume you have a list of numbers from 1 to 20. To use the WRAPROWS function:
Your final syntax should be:
Let’s assume you want to split it into 3 values per row instead. In this situation, your syntax will be:
However, as you observe, an #N/A error appears after all values in your source array have been accounted for. To prevent this, you can use the padding argument to replace the default value. To pad your formula:
Your final syntax will be:
Notice a space or blank value has replaced the #N/A errors. That’s the padding. You can pad with any value.
A WRAPROWS Function Use Case
Let’s take a situation. Assume you have two columns in your table. Your data table has a column with students' names; the other column has their serial numbers. Now as a teacher, you want to split them into teams. You can use the WRAPOWS to do this.
While the WRAPROWS is great for organizing data, there are instances, just like every other formula, whenthis Excel formula does not function properly. This happens when the data range is not a one-dimensional array or range. In a case like this, the WRAPROWS will return a #VALUE! Error.
Wrap Your Data Easily in Excel
The WRAPROWS function, as simple as it looks, is powerful in Excel. By understanding its syntax, you can better organize and manipulate data in a flexible and efficient format that’s easy to work with.
