Creating A Basic Excel Formula
In order to create an Excel formula, begin by typing an equal sign: this distinguishes it from other types of data. A formula consists of groups of expressions. There are three key elements in these expressions: arithmetic operators, such as add and subtract; functions; and references to worksheet.
To create a formula which gives us the total of two of the numbers in a spreadsheet (say 24 and 12), we could simply type "=24 + 12". When we press the Enter key, we would get the correct result. However, the formula would have no link to the two cells containing the numbers. If the content of the cells were to change, the formula would still return the old result.
Obviously, what we need to do is to ensure that our formula contains a reference to the two cells in question. The easiest way of doing this is to click on the first cell having typed "=". Excel then automatically creates a reference to that cell. Next type the "+" sign and click on the second cell to pick up its reference. Excel puts in a reference to the second cell and we then enter the formula either by clicking on the Enter button (on the left of the formula bar) or pressing Enter on the keyboard.
Now that the formula contains a reference to these two cells, any time their contents change, the result generted by formula will be updated.
If this were the only way of performing calculations in Excel, formulas would become very long and extremely complex. To avoid this situation, we can use Excel's built-in functions. Functions carry out complex mathematical calculations without the user having to worry about how the result is reached.
For example, imagine that we wanted to total the contents of a hundred different cells. If we relied purely on the "+" sign, we would end up creating a formula with a hundred different arguments; in other words, a reference to each of the cells containing the numbers. Instead, we can use the SUM function.
To include a function in a formula, type the equal sign followed by the name of the function. Next, type open brackets followed by the arguments of the function. The term arguments refers to the values required by a function in order to return a result. In the case of the SUM function, all we need to specify are the cell addresses of the numbers we want to total. We can do this automatically by clicking or dragging across each of the cells or ranges that contain those numbers.
When you have entered a reference to all cells containing numbers that we want to total, you can confirm entry of the formula by pressing the Enter key. You don't even need to close the brackets. Excel will close them for you. - 13506
To create a formula which gives us the total of two of the numbers in a spreadsheet (say 24 and 12), we could simply type "=24 + 12". When we press the Enter key, we would get the correct result. However, the formula would have no link to the two cells containing the numbers. If the content of the cells were to change, the formula would still return the old result.
Obviously, what we need to do is to ensure that our formula contains a reference to the two cells in question. The easiest way of doing this is to click on the first cell having typed "=". Excel then automatically creates a reference to that cell. Next type the "+" sign and click on the second cell to pick up its reference. Excel puts in a reference to the second cell and we then enter the formula either by clicking on the Enter button (on the left of the formula bar) or pressing Enter on the keyboard.
Now that the formula contains a reference to these two cells, any time their contents change, the result generted by formula will be updated.
If this were the only way of performing calculations in Excel, formulas would become very long and extremely complex. To avoid this situation, we can use Excel's built-in functions. Functions carry out complex mathematical calculations without the user having to worry about how the result is reached.
For example, imagine that we wanted to total the contents of a hundred different cells. If we relied purely on the "+" sign, we would end up creating a formula with a hundred different arguments; in other words, a reference to each of the cells containing the numbers. Instead, we can use the SUM function.
To include a function in a formula, type the equal sign followed by the name of the function. Next, type open brackets followed by the arguments of the function. The term arguments refers to the values required by a function in order to return a result. In the case of the SUM function, all we need to specify are the cell addresses of the numbers we want to total. We can do this automatically by clicking or dragging across each of the cells or ranges that contain those numbers.
When you have entered a reference to all cells containing numbers that we want to total, you can confirm entry of the formula by pressing the Enter key. You don't even need to close the brackets. Excel will close them for you. - 13506
About the Author:
The writer of this article is a developer and trainer with Macresource Computer Solutions, an independent computer training company offering Microsoft Excel training courses in London and all over the UK.
posted by M Davids at
3:23 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home