The INFO function in Excel is a powerful tool designed to deliver detailed information about the current operating environment, including aspects of the worksheet, operating system, and Excel itself. Understanding this function can help users troubleshoot issues or optimize their workflows by gaining insights into their operational context.

Syntax

INFO(type)

• type: A string value that specifies the type of information you want to retrieve. Common options include “os” for the operating system and “dir” for the current directory.

Example #1

=INFO("os")

This function call returns the name of the operating system on which Excel is running. For instance, it might return “Microsoft Windows 10” as a result.

Example #2

=INFO("directory")

This function retrieves the current directory path where Excel is operating. An example output could be “C:\Users\JohnDoe\Documents”.

Example #3

=INFO("memused")

This function shows the amount of memory currently in use by Excel, with a potential result like “12345678” bytes, indicating the app’s memory consumption at that time.

Error handling

• VALUE!: This error occurs if the type argument is not recognized. Make sure you use a valid parameter string.
• NAME?: This might appear if the function name is misspelled. Verify that the formula is correctly written as INFO.

Conclusion

In summary, the INFO function is a versatile and valuable resource for Excel users seeking insights into their operating environment. By using this function appropriately, users can optimize their experience and troubleshoot issues effectively.