Part of the free Module 5: Excel Formulas and Functions · Function 42 of 105 · Full Excel course
The Excel INFO function returns information about the current operating environment, such as the Excel version, the operating system, the recalculation mode or the number of open worksheets. INFO in Excel is used for troubleshooting, for showing environment details on a dashboard, and for formulas that must behave differently on Windows and Mac.
INFO syntax
=INFO(type_text)Arguments
| Argument | Required | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| type_text | Required | Text, in quotes, naming the item you want. Valid values are listed below. |
type_text values
| type_text | Returns |
|---|---|
| “directory” | Path of the current default folder, e.g. C:\Users\Name\Documents\. |
| “numfile” | Number of active worksheets across all open workbooks (hidden add-in sheets included). |
| “origin” | Absolute reference of the top-left visible cell in the current window, prefixed with $A: for Lotus compatibility, e.g. $A:$B$3. |
| “osversion” | Operating system version as text, e.g. Windows (64-bit) NT 10.00. |
| “recalc” | Current recalculation mode: Automatic or Manual. |
| “release” | Excel version number as text, e.g. 16.0 for Excel 2016 through 365. |
| “system” | Operating environment: pcdos for Windows, mac for macOS. |
The older values “memavail”, “memused” and “totmem” were removed in Excel 2007 and now return #N/A.
Step-by-step example
=INFO("system")- Excel reads the type_text “system”.
- It queries the operating environment.
- On Windows it returns pcdos; on a Mac it returns mac. Use this to branch formulas that rely on platform-specific paths or fonts.
Practical use cases
1. Warn users when calculation is set to Manual
=IF(INFO("recalc")="Manual", "Calculation is MANUAL - press F9 to update", "")Place this on a dashboard so stale numbers are never mistaken for live ones.
2. Platform-aware file path
=IF(INFO("system")="mac", "/Users/Shared/Reports/", "C:\Reports\")&A23. Display environment details on a support sheet
="Excel "&INFO("release")&" on "&INFO("osversion")4. Detect features by version
=IF(VALUE(INFO("release"))>=16, "Dynamic arrays may be available", "Legacy Excel")Version 16.0 covers Excel 2016, 2019, 2021 and 365, so pair this check with a specific function test for certainty.
5. Count open worksheets
=INFO("numfile")Common mistakes and errors
- #VALUE! – type_text is misspelt or not one of the seven supported values. The strings are English in every language version.
- #N/A – a retired value such as “memused” was used. There is no worksheet replacement; use VBA if you need memory statistics.
- Result does not update – INFO is volatile and recalculates on every change, but a Manual calculation mode still needs F9. Ironically, INFO(“recalc”) itself will not refresh until you recalculate.
- Security prompts – INFO(“directory”) and “osversion” reveal system details. Some organisations flag files containing them; avoid in templates you distribute externally.
- Excel for the web – INFO is not supported and returns #VALUE!.
Tips and best practices
- Add a calculation-mode warning to every dashboard that relies on volatile data: IF(INFO(“recalc”)=”Manual”, …).
- Keep INFO on a hidden Support sheet with version and OS so help desks can diagnose issues from a screenshot.
- Do not rely on INFO(“release”) to detect features; several versions share 16.0. Test for a function directly instead.
- Remove INFO(“directory”) from templates you distribute; it exposes folder structure.
- Use CELL(“filename”) when you need the workbook name rather than the environment.
Related functions
- CELL – information about a specific cell, including the file name and sheet name.
- ISNUMBER and ISERR – validate INFO results before using them.
- IF – branch on the environment value.
- Browse the Excel Formulas hub or watch videos on YouTube.com/@PKAnExcelExpert.
Frequently asked questions
Does the INFO function work in Excel for Mac?
Yes. All seven current type_text values work on Mac; INFO(“system”) returns mac and INFO(“osversion”) returns the macOS version string.
Can INFO return the memory used by Excel?
Not any more. The “memavail”, “memused” and “totmem” options were removed in Excel 2007 and return #N/A. Use Task Manager or VBA instead.
What is the practical use of INFO in everyday spreadsheets?
Mostly diagnostics: showing a warning when calculation is Manual, recording the Excel version on a support sheet, and adjusting file paths for Windows versus Mac users.
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