Formulae in Excel

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.