How To Use Excel Formulas
Formulas transform Excel from a static grid into a living calculator that updates automatically as your data changes. Type numbers into cells and they just sit there. Write formulas that reference those cells and suddenly you have a system that responds intelligently to any update. This responsiveness is why Excel dominates spreadsheet work it’s not just storage, it’s active calculation.
Every formula starts with an equals sign. This tells Excel you’re entering a calculation, not plain text or numbers. Without the equals sign, Excel treats whatever you type as text. Type 2+2 into a cell and Excel shows exactly that: the text “2+2”. Type =2+2 and Excel calculates it, displaying 4. That equals sign is the trigger for Excel’s calculation engine.
Formulas can be as simple as adding two numbers or as complex as nested functions with multiple conditions. This article covers the basics: arithmetic operators, how to reference cells, and simple calculations. These building blocks underpin everything more advanced you’ll learn later. Get comfortable with basic formulas and you’ve unlocked Excel’s true power.
