Module IV· Operating ForecastBasic
Question
Which functions do you typically use for operating scenarios in Excel?
Answer
Four standards for scenario switching
```
=CHOOSE($Case, Base, Upside, Downside)
=INDEX(Range, $Case_Number)
=IF($Case=1, Base, IF($Case=2, Upside, Downside))
```
| Function | Pro | Con |
|---|---|---|
| INDEX | robust, dynamic | more setup |
| CHOOSE | quick to read | max 254 values, hardcoded |
| OFFSET | flexible | volatile — slow |
| Nested IF | always works | unreadable at 3+ cases |
Rule of thumb
INDEX is the best choice — more robust than CHOOSE, faster than OFFSET, more readable than IF.
Pitch tip
Signal architecture — a master switch (e.g. B2), a scenario table, INDEX pulls the values.