The following table describes the types of parameter arguments which can be inputted into functions.

Type

Excel Data Type

Sample

Restrictions

.

Array

Array

A row of n*1 parameters, a column of 1*n parameters or a series of parameters entered as {x₁, x₂,..., x_n}

Differs from a range due to n being constant, ie a fixed number of parameters is required.

Curve

Array or Range

Table of two or more columns such as a list of dates, rates, yields, interest payments, etc.

The number of columns allowed differs according to the type of curve object. Refer rate curve and zero curve. Unless specified, a curve object can be entered as a single value, e.g. if all rates in a rate "curve" are constant then a single rate is suffice.

Date

Date

1/1/2003

Must follow Excel's date requirements, however can be entered as a string, e.g. "1/1/03".

Date Range

Range of Dates

A range of dates one
column wide. A date range is a type of Vector.

Must follow Excel's date requirements. Refer date range.

Double

Double precision floating point variable

0.05 or 1,000,000

Any number (whole or decimal) ranging from -1.80E308 to -4.94E-324 for negative values and from 4.94E-324 to 1.80E308 for positive values

Enumerated Constant

Integer

1

Must be within the scope of constants supplied for each function.

Integer

Integer

100

Any whole number ranging in value from -32,768 to 32,767.

Vector

Array

Single column of values

Unless specified, a vector can be entered as a single value, e.g. if all values are identical then a single value is suffice.