What is the OFFSET Function
The OFFSET function returns a reference that is a specified number of rows and columns away from a starting cell. You can also specify a height and width to return a range instead of a single cell. OFFSET is useful for dynamic ranges.
Formula: =OFFSET(reference, rows, cols, [height], [width])
Practical Example 1
Start at A1, move 2 rows down, 1 column right.
Type: =OFFSET(A1, 2, 1)
Result: a reference to B3
Practical Example 2
Return a 3-row range starting from A2.
Type: =SUM(OFFSET(A2, 0, 0, 3, 1))
Result: the sum of A2:A4
Practical Example 3
Create a rolling 3-month total.
Type: =SUM(OFFSET(A2, 0, 0, 3, 1))
Result: the sum of the last 3 values ending at A2
When to Use It
OFFSET is used for dynamic ranges, for rolling totals, for creating chart data ranges that grow automatically, and for any formula where the range size or position needs to change based on other cells.