In Microsoft Office Excel, formulas are the main tool for processing and analyzing table data. To streamline processes, the application has a large number of simple and complex functions that can be called by the user in formulas and applied to the values entered in cells.
Instructions
Step 1
A formula in Excel can include numeric and text values, signs for logical and mathematical operations, references to other cells, and function calls. The result of the calculation can be both numerical values and logical ones - True / False.
Step 2
When calculating a formula, the program uses the same procedure as in mathematics. Each formula starts with an equal sign and ends with the Enter key. The formula used is displayed in the formula bar, while only the calculation result is visible in the cells.
Step 3
You can either write the formula yourself or choose one of the built-in functions. Place the mouse cursor in the cell where you want to get the result and go to the formula bar. If you want to set the formula yourself, press the [=] key on the keyboard and, using mathematical and other symbols, enter the desired formula, indicating the names of the cells in the format A1, B2, and so on.
Step 4
So, to calculate the sum of the data in the range of cells B1, B2, B3 and B4, the formula will look like this: = B1 + B2 + B3 + B4. When specifying cell addresses, lowercase letters can be used. After entering the formulas, the program automatically converts them to capital letters.
Step 5
If you want to use the built-in functions, enter an equal sign in the formula bar, refer to the box at the far right of the formula bar. Use the drop-down list to select the function that suits your case.
Step 6
If the required function is not in the list, select the last item "Other functions" in the context menu, a new dialog box will open. Use the Select Function and Category groups to find the one that suits you. When you decide, confirm the actions with the OK button or the Enter key.
Step 7
A new Function Arguments window appears. Enter in the empty field the names of the cells to which you want to apply the formula, or select them in the worksheet with the mouse. When you are finished selecting, press the Enter key or the OK button in the dialog box.
Step 8
An alternative to the latter is to press the fx button in the formula bar. It calls the "Function Wizard", in the window of which you need to select the formula that suits your case, enter or use the mouse to specify a range of cells with data and press the Enter key or the OK button.
