Microsoft Excel XP/X
Calculating with Excel
To create a basic worksheet, some of the core tasks involve entering formulas and functions. Both formulas and functions are instructions for Excel to do calculations for you by referring to values in the worksheet or within the formula. All of these key topics will be covered in the following areas:
Also refer to Calculating with Functions.
Introduction to Formulas
Excel formulas can include constant numbers or cell references. When entering your own formulas, the contents of the cell must begin with the equal sign (=) to represent the beginning of a formula or function. A colon (:) within the function indicates a range of cells to be in the formula or function. Functions are simply preprogrammed formulas. One example is the Average function. Rather than adding the numbers and counting the number of items to determine the divisor, the Average function will do that for you.
The following table of formula operators displays which key will perform which operation. The table also indicates the order in which the calculations will be performed. As you write your formulas, remember that information in parentheses is always performed first, then in the order listed below, and finally, the remaining tasks are performed in order from left-to-right.
Formula Operators:
| Operation | Symbol | Symbol Name and Location |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | + |
Plus sign (exact location varies, but it is always on the 10-key pad) |
| Subtraction | - |
Dash or Hyphen (exact location varies, but it is always on the 10-key pad) |
| Multiplication | * |
Asterisk (located on both the 8-key and 10-key pads) |
| Division | / |
Forward Slash (exact location varies, but it is always on the 10-key pad) |
| Operator | Operation | Order of Calculation |
|---|---|---|
: - , |
Reference | 1 |
- |
Negation | 2 |
% |
Percents | 3 |
^ |
Exponentiation | 4 |
* / |
Multiplication and Division | 5 |
+ - |
Addition and Subtraction | 6 |
& |
Concatenate text | 7 |
= < > |
Comparison | 8 |
Entering Formulas
Creating a Formula of Constants
A formula of constants may be appropriate for fixed values, or when you do not want to grab your calculator. Constants should not be used when the value is likely to be changing. If the values change, you should be using a formula referencing a cell.
| Formula | Result |
|---|---|
| =1808+902 | 2,710 |
| =14111-12415 | 1,696 |
| =500*12 | 6,000 |
| =1250/25 | 50 |
-
Select the cell where you want the formula to appear
-
To begin the formula, press [ = ], the equal sign
-
To continue the formula, enter the numbers and the operator
-
To accept the formula, press [Enter] or an arrow key
The result of the formula should now be displayed in the cell.
Creating a Formula with Cell References
A formula with cell references should be used when values in the cells are changing. When cell values change, the result of the formula will be updated.
The following examples assume that the value of 125 is in cell B12 and the value of 52 is in cell B13 as indicated in the graphic below the table:
Formula |
Result |
Formula |
Result |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| =1808+B12 | 1933 | =500*B13 | 62500 | |
| =B12+B13 | 177 | =B12*B13 | 6500 | |
| =14111-B12 | 13986 | =1250/B12 | 10 | |
| =B12-B13 | 73 | =B12/B13 | 2.4 |
-
Select the cell where you want the formula to appear
-
To begin the formula, press [ = ], the equal sign
-
To continue the formula, type the numbers, cell references, and the operator
-
To accept the formula, press [Enter] or an arrow key
The result of the formula should now be displayed in the cell.
