Syntax
LAMBDA([parameter1, ...], calculation)
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| [parameter1 | (Optional.) Parameter of the LAMBDA function. |
| ...] | Parameter of the LAMBDA function. |
| calculation | Parameter of the LAMBDA function. |
Examples
Inline custom function
Formula
=LAMBDA(celsius, celsius*9/5+32)(100)
212. Defines a Celsius-to-Fahrenheit converter and immediately calls it with 100. Returns 212°F.
Reusable named function
Formula
=CtoF(37)
98.6. After defining the Name 'CtoF' as =LAMBDA(c, c*9/5+32), you can call it like any built-in function. 37°C = 98.6°F.
Multi-parameter LAMBDA
Formula
=LAMBDA(price, tax, qty, price*(1+tax)*qty)(29.99, 0.08, 3)
97.17. Calculates total cost with tax for 3 items at $29.99 with 8% tax.
Common Errors
#VALUE!
Wrong number of arguments passed to the LAMBDA. If it expects 2 parameters but receives 3, you get this error.
#CALC!
The LAMBDA body returns an error, or recursive LAMBDAs exceed the call depth limit.
Tips
Assign to a Name for reuse
Go to Formulas > Name Manager > New Name, enter a name like 'CtoF', and set the formula to =LAMBDA(c, c*9/5+32). Now =CtoF(100) works everywhere.
Essential for MAP, REDUCE, SCAN
These array functions require a LAMBDA as input. Master LAMBDA first, then MAP/REDUCE become intuitive.
Last parameter is the calculation
In LAMBDA(a, b, a+b), the last expression (a+b) is the return value. Everything before it is a parameter name.
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