Function Reference: TAKE

Syntax
=TAKE(array,rows,[columns])
Purpose / Description
Returns a reference to a range that includes the given number of rows and /or columns extracted from the range or an array of values from an array whose that includes the given number of rows and/or columns extracted from an array.
Arguments
Name Type Description
array reference or array of any A reference or nested expression that returns a valid reference, a constant array of any values or a nested expression that returns an array of any values.
rows number A reference to a range, a constant or nested expression that provides the number of rows to be extracted.  If rows is positive, the given number of rows is extracted from the top of the range or array.  If rows is negative, the given number of rows is extracted from the bottom of the range or array.  If the absolute value of rows is greater than the number of rows in the range or array, the original number of rows is used.  The argument may be omitted, but a value of 0 returns an error.
[columns] number A reference to a range, a constant or nested expression that provides the number of columns to be extracted.  If columns is positive, the given number of columns is extracted from the left of the range or array.  If columns is negative, the given number of columns is extracted from the right of the range or array.  If the absolute value of columns is greater than the number of columns in the range or array, the original number of columns is used.  The argument may be omitted, but a value of 0 returns an error.
Return Values
Type Specific Value Description
reference   If the array argument is a reference, the function returns a reference with specified dimensions.
array of any   If the array argument is an array of values, the function returns an array with specified dimensions.
error #CALC! If the value passed to rows or columns is 0.
error #NUM! if the array referenced by the array argument is too large.
error   Any errors referenced by arguments are returned due to propagation of error values.
Notes / Comments / Advice / Warnings
Comment: This is an extremely useful addition to Excel, along with the DROP, EXPAND, CHOOSECOLS and CHOOSEROWS functions, that allow you to manipulate the contents of ranges and arrays for advanced analytical calculations in dynamic array formulas.
Examples: Open / download sample workbook: DROP, EXPAND, TAKE.xlsx