A formula that returns multiple non-contiguous columns from an array

Question

=INDEX(example_array, , column_num) returns a column from example_array

What if I need an array formula like: =INDEX(example_array, , {1,3,7})to return an array of non-adjacent columns # 1, # 3 and # 7 from example_array?

Is this possible with standard excel formulas or do I need to use VBA?

Answer 1

Try this formula

=INDEX(example_array,N(IF(1,{1,3,7})))

This follows one of the methods suggested by XOR LX here