Microsoft Office 2010
Fundamentals
Excel
Using Formulas and Functions
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Introduction
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The real power of a spreadsheet program such as
Excel is its ability to perform simple and complex
calculations on worksheet data.
Using the commands located on the Formulas tab of
the Ribbon, you can enter formulas to perform
calculations or use predefined formulas, called
functions.
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Entering Formulas
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A formula is a set of instructions used to perform
calculations on values in a worksheet and must begin
with the equal sign ( = ).
An operator is a sign or symbol that indicates what
calculation is to be performed.
Arithmetic operators are used for addition +,
subtraction - , multiplication * , division / , and
exponentiation .
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Entering Formulas (continued)
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Constants are numbers entered directly into a formula
that do not change.
Cell references identify the cells containing the values you
want to use in the formula. The results will automatically
be updated if the values in those cells change.
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Entering Formulas (continued)
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The formula is displayed in the formula bar; the
results are displayed in the cell.
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Entering Formulas (continued)
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The order of operations is a specific sequence used
to calculate the value of a formula, from left to right:
1. Exponentiation ( ^ )
2. Multiplication ( * ) or division ( / )
3. Addition ( + ) or subtraction ( - )
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To change the order of operations, use parentheses
to group expressions.
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Understanding Cell References and Copying
Formulas
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A relative reference means the reference to a cell
changes in relation to the location of the formula.
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Understanding Cell References and Copying
Formulas (continued)
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An absolute reference is a permanent reference to
a cell and does not change in relation to the location
of the formula.
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Understanding Cell References and Copying
Formulas (continued)
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Auto Fill is a feature that you can use to automatically
fill in worksheet data in any direction.
You can use it to copy data or formatting or quickly
copy a formula by dragging the fill handle—a little
black square in the lower-right corner of the selected
cell.
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Using Functions
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Built-in formulas, called functions, enable you to perform
complex calculations easily.
A function must follow a set of established rules, called
syntax, that specifies how the function must be entered.
Most functions require an argument, which refers to the
text, numbers, or cell references on which the function is
to be performed.
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Using Functions (continued)
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Use the Sum function to quickly total a range without
manually typing the formula.
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Using Functions (continued)
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Click the Sum button arrow to display a menu of the
most common statistical functions.
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Using Functions (continued)
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Click the Insert Function button to open the Insert
Function dialog box.
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Using Functions (continued)
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Once you select a function in the Insert Function
dialog box or from the Ribbon, Excel opens the
Function Arguments dialog box.
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Reviewing and Editing Formulas
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To display the formulas instead of the resulting values,
click the Show Formulas button in the Formula
Auditing group on the Formulas tab.
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