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Do Microsoft 365 and Newer Excel Versions Support Legacy CSE Array Formulas?
Question details
The user needs to know if legacy Ctrl+Shift+Enter (CSE) array formulas will still function properly in Microsoft 365 and newer Excel versions following the introduction of dynamic arrays.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening or working with older Excel workbooks containing legacy CSE array formulas in modern versions of Excel.
- Observed behavior
- Legacy CSE array formulas continue to function correctly in newer versions of Excel without needing to be manually converted to dynamic arrays.
Before modifying complex workbooks, ensure you are familiar with how your current spreadsheet software handles array functions, and create a backup of your legacy file before making extensive formula edits.
Retain Legacy CSE Formulas in Microsoft 365
Keep your existing Ctrl+Shift+Enter formulas exactly as they are, as Microsoft 365 guarantees backward compatibility for older workbooks.
Microsoft 365 and newer Excel versions have introduced dynamic array formulas, which automatically spill results into adjacent empty cells. However, to ensure older workbooks do not break, legacy Ctrl+Shift+Enter (CSE) array formulas are fully supported and generally do not need to be rewritten or updated.
Open your older Excel file directly in Microsoft 365. The legacy CSE formulas will calculate normally as soon as the workbook is loaded.
Click on any cell containing an array formula. You will see curly braces {} surrounding the formula in the formula bar, which indicates that Excel recognizes it as a legacy CSE formula.
If you need to edit an existing legacy array formula, make your changes in the formula bar and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter on your keyboard to confirm. If you only press Enter, the formula may break or lose its array functionality.
Open and Edit Legacy Array Formulas with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a highly compatible spreadsheet environment that seamlessly handles older Microsoft Excel workbooks. You can open, view, and edit legacy Ctrl+Shift+Enter (CSE) array formulas directly in WPS Spreadsheet without losing any data, formatting, or functionality.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and install it on your computer or mobile device.
- 2. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx or .xls file that contains the legacy array formulas.
- 3. Edit and Calculate: Select the cell with the array formula to make edits. Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to apply your changes as a legacy array, exactly as you would in older Excel versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a legacy array formula in my spreadsheet?
When you select a cell containing a legacy array formula, you will see curly braces {} enclosing the entire formula in the top formula bar. You cannot type these braces manually; they appear automatically when the formula is confirmed via Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
Do I need to convert my CSE formulas to dynamic arrays in newer Excel versions?
No, it is not required. Microsoft 365 continues to fully support legacy CSE formulas for backward compatibility. You only need to convert them if you want to take advantage of new dynamic array behaviors, such as automatic spill ranges that dynamically resize.
Why is my array formula showing an error or incorrect result when I edit it?
If you edit a legacy CSE array formula, you must press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to confirm the changes. If you simply press the standard Enter key, the software may treat it as a regular formula, leading to a #VALUE! error or an incorrect calculation.
Can dynamic array formulas be opened in older spreadsheet software?
When a workbook with modern dynamic array formulas is opened in an older version of Excel that does not support them, the software will automatically convert them to legacy CSE formulas where possible. You may also see an @ symbol in front of function names to enforce implicit intersection.
