Is it possible to define a function with no argument by LAMBDA?

In Excel, we have functions with no argument such as PI(), RAND(), NOW(). However, it seems that we cannot define such a function by LAMBDA. I tried in a cell `=LAMBDA(,4)()` (and expected 4 ...

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Formulas and Functions

PeterBartholomew1
Aug 02, 2021
Tie CHENG
Yes, it seems to be possible. e.g. given a named reference 'x'
=LAMBDA(x+1)()
returns x+1.
=LAMBDA(x+1)
returns a #CALC! error.

If you name the Lambda function INCx then the same results are obtained for
=INCx()
and
=INCx
respectively. I think I have read of such functions being referred to as 'thunks' and would be used to pass a resource-intensive operation as a parameter without evaluating it before the result is needed.

The possibility of defining and testing for an optional parameter is being rolled out.

PeterBartholomew1

Silver Contributor

Aug 02, 2021

Tie CHENG

Yes, it seems to be possible. e.g. given a named reference 'x'

=LAMBDA(x+1)()

returns x+1.

=LAMBDA(x+1)

returns a #CALC! error.

If you name the Lambda function INCx then the same results are obtained for

=INCx()

and

=INCx

respectively. I think I have read of such functions being referred to as 'thunks' and would be used to pass a resource-intensive operation as a parameter without evaluating it before the result is needed.

The possibility of defining and testing for an optional parameter is being rolled out.

Tie CHENG
Brass Contributor
Aug 02, 2021
Indeed, it is possible, thank you.

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Is it possible to define a function with no argument by LAMBDA?

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