Database Excel Functions

Query data that matches criteria

D-functions vs SUMIFS

  • Sum with criteria table → [DSUM](/functions/dsum/)
  • Average → [DAVERAGE](/functions/daverage/)
  • Count numbers → [DCOUNT](/functions/dcount/)
  • Modern alternative → [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/) and [COUNTIFS](/functions/countifs/)
  • Compare → [SUMIF vs SUMIFS](/compare/sumif-vs-sumifs/)

Criteria range tips

  • Headers must match the database column names exactly
  • Same row = AND; extra rows = OR between criteria sets
  • Wildcards * and ? work in text criteria

Functions in this category

  • DSUM: Adds the numbers in a field of records in a database that match criteria.
  • DAVERAGE: Returns the average of selected database entries that match specified criteria.
  • DCOUNT: Counts cells containing numbers in a database that match specified criteria.
  • DCOUNTA: Counts non-blank cells in a database that match specified criteria.
  • DGET: Extracts a single value from a database that matches specified criteria.
  • DMAX: Returns the maximum value from database entries that match specified criteria.
  • DMIN: Returns the minimum value from database entries that match specified criteria.
  • DPRODUCT: Multiplies values in a database field that match specified criteria.
  • DSTDEV: Estimates standard deviation based on a sample from database entries matching criteria.
  • DSTDEVP: Calculates standard deviation based on entire population from database entries matching criteria.
  • DVAR: Estimates variance based on a sample from database entries matching criteria.
  • DVARP: Calculates variance based on entire population from database entries matching criteria.

Mastering Database functions end-to-end

  • Query data that matches criteria — use this category page as a map before diving into individual function syntax pages.
  • Functions indexed here: DSUM, DAVERAGE, DCOUNT, DCOUNTA, DGET, DMAX, DMIN, DPRODUCT, DSTDEV, DSTDEVP, DVAR, DVARP.
  • Pick one function per week for your team, copy the examples into a practice workbook, and spot-check against manual math.
  • When functions in this category feed lookups or aggregates, read the related comparison and problem guides linked from function pages.
  • Small categories still matter in specialized models — document which niche functions your template depends on for auditors.
  • Confirm Excel version requirements: dynamic array and cube functions may not open in Excel 2019 even if other category members do.

Category troubleshooting patterns

  • #NAME? often means a niche function name typo or a locale mismatch — compare spelling to this English directory.
  • #VALUE! in specialized functions usually means wrong argument type — review each parameter description on the function page.
  • When results differ from documentation, verify regional settings, unit assumptions, and whether the workbook opened in compatibility mode.
  • Cross-link to fix-excel-formula-errors when multiple function types in this category fail after a bulk find-replace.

Function deep dives in this category

  • DSUM (/functions/dsum/): Adds the numbers in a field of records in a database that match criteria. Syntax: =DSUM(database, field, criteria).
  • DAVERAGE (/functions/daverage/): Returns the average of selected database entries that match specified criteria. Syntax: =DAVERAGE(database, field, criteria).
  • DCOUNT (/functions/dcount/): Counts cells containing numbers in a database that match specified criteria. Syntax: =DCOUNT(database, field, criteria).
  • DCOUNTA (/functions/dcounta/): Counts non-blank cells in a database that match specified criteria. Syntax: =DCOUNTA(database, field, criteria).
  • DGET (/functions/dget/): Extracts a single value from a database that matches specified criteria. Syntax: =DGET(database, field, criteria).
  • DMAX (/functions/dmax/): Returns the maximum value from database entries that match specified criteria. Syntax: =DMAX(database, field, criteria).
  • DMIN (/functions/dmin/): Returns the minimum value from database entries that match specified criteria. Syntax: =DMIN(database, field, criteria).
  • DPRODUCT (/functions/dproduct/): Multiplies values in a database field that match specified criteria. Syntax: =DPRODUCT(database, field, criteria).