BYROW function

This function groups an array by rows by application of a LAMBDA function to each row.

Sample Usage

BYROW(A1:C3,LAMBDA(row,MAX(row)))

BYROW(A1:C3,LAMBDA(row,SUM(row)))

Syntax

BYROW(array_or_range,LAMBDA)

  • array_or_range: The array or range to group by rows.
  • LAMBDA: A LAMBDA that’s applied to each row in the given array or range to obtain its grouped value.
    • Syntax: LAMBDA(name,formula_expression)
    • Requirements:
      • The LAMBDA must have exactly 1 name argument along with a formula_expression which uses that name. The name resolves to the current row being grouped when the LAMBDA is applied.

Notes

  • The passed LAMBDA should accept exactly 1 name argument, otherwise an #N/A error is returned. This argument corresponds to a row in the input array.
  • Every row should be grouped to a single value. Array results for grouped values aren’t supported.
  • A named function can be passed for the LAMBDA parameter and behaves like a LAMBDA in this case. Learn more about named functions.
    • There should be exactly 1 argument placeholder defined for it.
    • Parenthesis shouldn't follow the named function.

Examples

Sum row-wise

Example Data:

 

A

B

C

1

3

5

7

2

4

3

5

3

1

2

4

Example: =BYROW(A1:C3,LAMBDA(row,SUM(row)))

Result:

15

12

7

Filters years where any quarterly sales exceeded 1300

Example data:

 

A

B

C

D

E

1

 

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2

2019

1060

295

1425

280

3

2020

270

585

675

170

4

2021

285

1200

780

1235

5

2022

1440

1390

45

650

Example:=FILTER(A2:A5,BYROW(B2:E5,LAMBDA(row,MAX(row)>1300)))

Result:

2019

2022

Returns a 3x1 array with the difference between max and min value of each row using a named function as LAMBDA

Make a Copy

Example data:

 

A

B

C

1

3

5

7

2

4

3

5

3

1

2

4

Example: =BYROW(A1:C3,MAX_MIN_DIFF)

Named function: MAX_MIN_DIFF is a named function which outputs the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value.

Formula definition: =MAX(row)-MIN(row), where row is an argument placeholder defined for MAX_MIN_DIFF.

Result:

4

2

3

Common Errors

The passed LAMBDA doesn’t have exactly 1 name argument

If the passed LAMBDA doesn’t have exactly 1 name argument, and 1 formula expression as an argument, this error occurs:

“Wrong number of arguments to LAMBDA. Expected 1 argument, but got 2 arguments.”

Example: =BYROW(C1:C4,LAMBDA(a,b,a+b))

For this example, LAMBDA was given 2 name arguments when it only needs 1.

The last parameter of BYROW wasn’t a LAMBDA

If the last parameter of BYROW wasn’t a LAMBDA, this error occurs:

“Argument must be a LAMBDA.”

Example: =BYROW(C1:C4,4)

The LAMBDA passed to BYROW was incorrect

If 1 or more name arguments weren’t valid, this error occurs:

“Argument 1 of function LAMBDA is not a valid name.”

Example: =BYROW(C1:C4,LAMBDA(C1, C1+1))

For this example, C1 is an invalid name since it clashes with a range.

The application of LAMBDA on the input array doesn’t group each row to a single value

If the application of LAMBDA on the input array doesn’t group each row to a single value, this error occurs:

“Single value expected. Nested array results are not supported.”

Example: =BYROW(C1:E1,LAMBDA(row,row))

Related functions

  • LAMBDA function: This function lets you create and return a custom function with a set of names and a formula_expression that uses them.
  • MAP function: This function maps each value in the given arrays to a new value.
  • REDUCE function: This function reduces an array to an accumulated result.
  • BYCOL function: This function groups an array by columns.
  • SCAN function: This function scans an array and produces intermediate values.
  • MAKEARRAY function: This function creates a calculated array of specified dimensions.
  • Create & use named functions: This function lets you create and store custom functions, similar to LAMBDA.
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