A formula is an
expression which calculates the value of a cell. Functions are predefined
formulas and are already available in Excel.
Excel uses
standard operators for equations, such as a plus sign for addition (+), minus sign for
subtraction (-),asterisk for
multiplication (*), forward
slash for division (/), and caret (^) for exponents.
Enter a Formula
To enter a formula,
execute the following steps.
1. Select a cell.
2. To let Excel know
that you want to enter a formula, type an equal sign (=).
3. For example, type
the formula A1+A2.
4.Change the value of
cell A1 to 3.
Excel automatically
recalculates the value of cell A3. This is one of Excel's most powerful
features.
Edit a Formula
When you select a
cell, Excel shows the value or formula of the cell in the formula bar.
To edit a formula,
click in the formula bar and change the formula.
Press Enter.
Here are some
additional examples of formulas that you can enter in a worksheet.
=A1+A2+A3
Adds the values in cells A1, A2, and A3.
=SQRT(A1)
Uses the SQRT function to return the square
root of the value in A1.
=TODAY()
Returns the current date.
=UPPER("hello")
Converts the text "hello" to
"HELLO" by using the UPPER worksheet function.
=IF(A1>0)
Tests the cell A1 to determine if it
contains a value greater than 0.
Sum In Excel
1. Decide what column
of numbers or words you would like to add up.
2. Select the cell
where you'd like the answer to populate.
3. Type the equals
sign then SUM. Like this: =SUM.
4. Type out the first
cell reference, then a colon, then the last cell reference. Like this:
=Sum(A2:A4).
5. Press enter. Excel
will add up the numbers in cells A2 to A41.
