Excel Syntax
Syntax
To perform mathematical computations, an Excel formula is utilized. When using a formula, you always enter the equal symbol = in the cell first, then your computation.
Note: After choosing the cell and entering the equal sign (=), you can claim it.
Creating formulas, step by step
- Select a cell
- Type the equal sign (=)
- Select a cell or type value
- Enter an arithmetic operator
- Select another cell or type value
- Press enter
For example =1+1 is the formula to calculate 1+1=2
Note: A cell’s value is expressed by its reference (value), such as A1(2).
Using Formulas with Cells
Values entered into cells can be used in formulas.
To get things started, let’s type some fake values. To enter values into the cells, double-click on them. Proceed to type:
- A1(309)
- A2(320)
- B1(39)
- B2(35)
Compare with the picture shown below:
Note: To type values, choose a cell, type your value in there after claiming it with the equal sign (=). As an illustration, = 309.
Excellent work! We can now utilize the values you successfully placed into the cells to create formulas.
It can be done as follows, step by step.
- Select the cell C1
- Type the equal sign (=)
- Left click on A1, the cell that has the (309) value
- Type the minus sign (–)
- Left click on B2, the cell that has the (35) value
- Hit enter
Tip: Without clicking the cells, the formula may be written immediately. The value in C1 (=A1-B2) would match the written formula exactly.
After pressing the enter key, C1(274) is the outcome. Have you succeeded?
Another Example
Now let’s try another example, creating the formula =A2-B1.
It can be done as follows, step by step.
Select the cell C2
Type the equal sign (=)
Left click A2, the cell that has the (320) value
Type the minus sign (–)
Left click B1, the cell that has the (39) value
Hit the enter button
I understand you received the C2(281) result. Fantastic job!
All four arithmetic operations, such as addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/), can be used to create formulae.
Here are some examples:
=2+4 gives you 6
=4-2 gives you 2
=2*4 gives you 8
=2/4 gives you 0.5
In the next chapter you will learn about Ranges and how data can be moved in the Sheet.
