Excel Formulas
Formulas
To perform mathematical computations, an Excel formula is utilized. The equal sign (=) is always typed in the cell first in a formula, and your calculation comes next.
Calculations can be performed using formulas like these:
- =1+1
- =2*2
- =4/2=2
Additionally, it can be used to compute values from cell input.
Let’s examine an illustration.
Enter or duplicate the subsequent values:
Now we want to do a calculation with those values.
Step by step:
- Select C1 and type (=)
- Left click A1
- Type (+)
- Left click A2
- Press enter
You got it! You have successfully calculated A1(2) + A2(4) = C1(6).
Note: As you become more proficient, you will find that using Excel’s cells to perform computations is a crucial feature.
Let’s switch from addition to multiplication by substituting a (*) for the (+). Now that it should read =A1*A2, hit Enter to see what occurs.
You got C1(8), right? Well done!
This is why Excel is fantastic. It enables you to perform calculations on cells and add values to them.
Try now to substitute division (/) and subtraction (–) for the multiplication (*).
After experimenting with various combinations, remove every value from the sheet.
For the next example, where we will assist the Pokemon trainers in counting their Pokeballs, let’s add some fresh data.
Enter or duplicate the subsequent values:
The data explained:
- Column A: Pokemon Trainers
- Row 1: Types of Pokeballs
- Range B2:D4: Amount of Pokeballs, Great balls and Ultra balls
Note: In order to comprehend the context of data, it is vital to practice reading it. You should concentrate on the trainers in this scenario and their three varieties of Pokeballs: Pokeball, Great ball, and Ultra ball.
Let’s help Iva to count her Pokeballs. You find Iva in A2(Iva). The values in row 2 B2(2), C2(3), D2(1) belong to her.
Count the Pokeballs, step by step:
- Select cell E2 and type (=)
- Left click B2
- Type (+)
- Left click C2
- Type (+)
- Left click D2
- Hit enter
Have you gotten the E2(6) value? Well done! Iva is now able to count her pokeballs thanks to you.
Let’s now assist Adora and Liam with counting theirs.
Remember the fill function from our previous lesson? Calculations can be carried out in all directions—sideways, downward, and upward. Let’s give it a go!
Let’s continue the formula step-by-step using the fill function:
- Select E2
- Fill E2:E4
I think that’s awesome. The fill function was able to comprehend that you also intended to count the cells in the subsequent rows by carrying out the calculation you did for Iva.
We have now tallied the Pokeballs for each of the three: Adora (15), Liam (12), and Iva (6).
Let’s count the combined number of Pokeballs that Adora, Liam, and Iva own.
SUM is the Excel term for the total.
The SUM can be computed in two different methods.
- Adding cells
- SUM function
You may use a lot of pre-made functions in Excel. Among the most used functions is the SUM function. A later chapter will cover functions in further detail.
Let’s attempt both strategies.
Note: You can navigate to the cells with your keyboard arrows instead of left clicking them. Try it!
Sum by adding cells, step by step:
- Select cell E5, and type =
- Left click E2
- Type (+)
- Left click E3
- Type (+)
- Left click E4
- Hit enter
The result is E5(33).
Let’s try the SUM function.
Remember to delete the values that you currently have in E5.
SUM function, step by step:
- Type E5(=)
- Write SUM
- Double click SUM in the menu
- Mark the range E2:E4
- Hit enter
Fantastic work! Using the SUM function, you have successfully calculated the SUM.
Together, Iva, Liam, and Adora own 33 Pokeballs.
Let us alter a value and see the result. B2(7) type:
Cell B2 Is value was altered from 2 to 7. As we alter the value in the cells, you’ll notice that the formulae are performing computations and updating the SUM from 33 to 38. It enables us to alter the values that the formulas utilize while maintaining the accuracy of the calculations.
Chapter Summary
Cells can be used, or values can be input directly into formulas. If you modify the values of the cells that the formula uses, the formula updates the outcome. You can use the fill function to extend your formulas laterally, vertically, and downwards. Pre-built functions in Excel include SUM.
You will study about relative and absolute references in the upcoming chapter.
