Excel TAKE Function: Grab the First or Last N Rows/Columns with One Dynamic Formula
The TAKE function returns a specified number of contiguous rows or columns from either the start or the end of an array, then spills the result automatically as the source changes. It’s the simplest way to build Top‑N lists, “Latest N” panels, preview tables, and compact chart feeds without volatile OFFSET or complex INDEX logic. The syntax is =TAKE(array, rows, [columns]). Positive values take from the start; negative values take from the end; omitting rows or columns means “take all” in that dimension. Microsoft’s documentation also notes that TAKE returns #CALC! when rows or columns is 0 and #NUM when the resulting spill would exceed sheet limits.