SUBTOTAL is a little strange function. There are 11 mathematical functions hiding inside it. We can calculate sum, arithmetic mean, spread, minimum/maximum and another statistic values using SUBTOTAL function. What’s more, we can limit whether we want to calculate even with hidden values which were hidden manually. All under roof of one function.
SUBTOTAL – From Mean to Dispersion
Even though this function offer a lot of possibilities, its syntax is very easy in general:
=SUBTOTAL(<type of calculation>;<range of cells>)
Thanks to the number which is the first argument of the function it is possible to select what calculation do we require. Following table shows overview of numeric codes and functions available.
| without hidden values | with hidden values | function |
| 101 | 1 | AVERAGE |
| 102 | 2 | COUNT |
| 103 | 3 | COUNT2 |
| 104 | 4 | MAX |
| 105 | 5 | MIN |
| 106 | 6 | PRODUCT |
| 107 | 7 | STDEV |
| 108 | 8 | STDEVP |
| 109 | 9 | SUM |
| 110 | 10 | VAR |
| 111 | 11 | VARP |
Hidden values => hidden rows or columns
You will find a description for each function in help section of Excel or in our articles. So for example if we want to find out minimal value for area B8 to C22, we need to enter =SUBTOTAL(105,B8:C22). Take a look at the example.
It is possible to get many statistic values thanks to SUBTOTAL function without need for any other function. We only change number (code) in the argument. If you want to exclude hidden values from the area selection, enter 102 instead of 2 (for finding number of values) for example. Look at the table above. What is meant by hidden values are cells which are hidden by Hidden rows selection.
You may find our article on statistic functions useful if you want to refresh your basic statistic functions and how to manage them in Excel
