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Use MarketXLS formulas

Enter symbols, refer to cells, copy formulas, and understand common MarketXLS results.

A MarketXLS formula works like a standard Excel formula. It starts with an equals sign, contains a function name, and uses values or cell references as inputs.

Enter a formula

  1. Put a stock symbol, such as MSFT, in cell A2.
  2. Select cell B2.
  3. Enter the formula for your add-in:
    • Windows: =Last(A2)
    • Mac or Excel for the web: =mxls.Last(A2)
  4. Press Enter.
Use Excel autocomplete to confirm the function name before you finish the formula.

Use quotation marks when you type a symbol directly in a formula, as in =Last("MSFT"). Don't use quotation marks around a cell reference.

Copy a formula to more symbols

  1. Add more symbols below A2.
  2. Select the formula cell in B2.
  3. Drag the fill handle down the column, or copy and paste the cell.
  4. Check that each copied formula points to the symbol in the same row.

Excel adjusts a relative reference such as A2 when you copy the formula. Add dollar signs when you need an absolute reference, such as $A$2.

Understand common results

ResultWhat it usually meansWhat to do
A number or text valueThe function returned dataNo action is needed
#NAME?Excel doesn't recognize the functionFix a #NAME? error
NAThe source didn't return a value for the requestCheck the symbol, period, and data coverage
A previous valueThe workbook or data source hasn't updated yetRefresh the workbook

Find more formulas

Open the MarketXLS formula reference. Filter by category, and check the platform labels before you add a formula to a shared workbook.

Use Check whether a function works on your add-in when you copy a formula from another platform or an older workbook.

Check the formula bar, function namespace, input symbol, and returned cell together.

© 2026 MarketXLS. Financial data documentation for Excel.