Mastering the DROP Function in Excel 365: Syntax, Examples, and Interview Q&A

Jun 26, 2025

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✅ How to Use DROP Function in Excel 365

The DROP function in Excel 365 is a dynamic array function that allows you to remove a specified number of rows or columns from the start or end of an array or range.

🔧 Syntax:

DROP(array, rows, [columns])

Argument	Description
`array`	The array or range of data to modify
`rows`	Number of rows to drop. Positive to drop from top, negative from bottom
`[columns]`	(Optional) Number of columns to drop. Positive to drop from left, negative from right

📘 Example 1: Drop Top 2 Rows

=DROP(A1:C5, 2)

➡️ Drops the first 2 rows, returns rows 3 to 5 from columns A to C.

📘 Example 2: Drop Last 1 Row and First 1 Column

=DROP(A1:C5, -1, 1)

➡️ Drops the last row and the first column.

📘 Example 3: Drop Last 2 Columns

=DROP(A1:D4, 0, -2)

➡️ Keeps all rows, removes the last 2 columns.

🧠 Interview-Based Questions (with answers)

Q1. What is the use of the DROP function in Excel 365?

A1. The DROP function is used to exclude a specific number of rows or columns from an array or range, returning the remaining values dynamically. It’s particularly helpful when cleaning data or adjusting tables on the fly.

Q2. Can the DROP function be used with ranges that include text data?

A2. Yes, the DROP function works with arrays that include text, numbers, dates, or any Excel-supported data types.

Q3. What will the result be if you use a negative value for the rows or columns arguments in DROP?

A3. A negative value for rows drops rows from the bottom. A negative value for columns drops columns from the right.

Q4. What happens if you use the DROP function on a range smaller than the number of rows or columns you try to drop?

A4. Excel will return a #CALC! error, indicating the drop exceeds the array bounds.

Q5. Can you combine DROP with other dynamic array functions like SORT or FILTER?

A5. Yes, DROP is often combined with functions like SORT, FILTER, TAKE, or UNIQUE to create powerful, flexible data transformations in Excel 365.