How to Use the INFO Function in Excel

Summary: Delve into the functionalities of the INFO function in Microsoft Excel—an essential tool for retrieving information about the current environment and operating system. This tutorial is tailored for data analysts with expertise in mathematics, finance, and trend analysis, offering step-by-step instructions to seamlessly integrate the INFO function into your data analysis toolkit. By mastering this function, you can efficiently access details about your Excel environment.

The INFO function within Excel empowers you to gather vital information about your operating system and Excel environment, streamlining your data analysis process. By leveraging this function, you refine your understanding of your Excel setup and optimize your decision-making. To effectively employ the INFO function, follow the comprehensive steps outlined below:

1. Open Excel: Launch Microsoft Excel on your computer.

2. Select a Cell: Choose the cell where you intend to display the retrieved information.

3. Input the Formula: Enter the following formula into the selected cell:

   =INFO(type_text)

   Replace "type_text" with the specific type of information you want to retrieve. Common options include "directory", "numfile", "origin", "osversion", and more.

4. Execute the Formula: After inputting the formula, press the Enter key to execute the INFO function. The cell will display the requested information.

5. Illustrative Examples:

   • To retrieve the directory path of the current Excel installation, use:

     =INFO("directory")

   • To access the number of available fonts in your environment, use:

     =INFO("numfile")

   • To learn about the operating system's version, use:

     =INFO("osversion")

6. Analyzing the Result: As the cell displays the retrieved information, you gain insights into various aspects of your Excel environment and operating system.

Conclusion: By mastering the INFO function in Excel, you equip yourself with a valuable tool for efficiently accessing details about your Excel environment and operating system. By seamlessly integrating this function into your data analysis toolkit, you refine your understanding of your Excel setup and make well-informed decisions based on the provided information. Feel free to reach out with questions or insights, fostering further exploration of this topic.

Note: The INFO function is available in various versions of Microsoft Excel, including Excel 2016, Excel 2019, and Microsoft 365.