How To Use Excel Formulas

Excel formulas are powerful tools for performing calculations and manipulating data in spreadsheets. Here are the first steps to get you started:

Creating Simple Formulas

To create a simple formula, start by selecting the cell where you want the formula result to appear. Then, enter an equal sign followed by the formula. For example, to add the values in cells A1 and A2, you would enter the formula =A1+A2.

After entering the formula, press Enter to calculate and display the result in the selected cell.

Editing Excel Formulas

To edit an existing formula, click on the cell with the formula and then modify it in the formula bar, located just above the spreadsheet.

Once you have made your changes, press Enter to apply the changes.

Creating Formulas Using Functions

Excel offers a wide range of functions that allow you to perform specific calculations. Here’s how to use functions in formulas:

1. Click on the cell where you want the function result to appear.
2. Begin with an equal sign “=”.
3. Begin typing the name of the function you want to use. As you type, Excel will suggest function names. You can press the Tab key to auto-complete the function name.
4. After entering the function name, open a set of parentheses “(“.
5. Within the parentheses, provide the arguments or values the function needs to perform its calculation. These arguments can be cell references, numbers, text, or other functions.
6. After entering the arguments, close the parentheses “)”.

After inputting all arguments, close the parentheses and press Enter to calculate the result.

For example, to use the SUM function to add values in cells A1 through A5, you can enter the formula =SUM(A1:A5).

Using Relative and Absolute References

One of the advantages of using formulas in Excel is that they can automatically adjust when you copy them to other cells. This is because Excel uses relative references by default, which means that cell references change based on their relative position.