Excel Formulas

Formulas contain information to perform a numerical calculation such as adding, subtracting, or multiplying. All formulas must start with an equal sign (=), followed by:

• Values or cell references joined by an operator. Example: =5+3 or =A1+A2.
• A function name followed by parentheses containing function arguments. Functions are the most common way to enter formulas in Excel. Example: =SUM(A1:A2).

Create a Formula

Here's how to create a formula in Excel.

1. Click the cell where you want to add the formula.
2. Press =.

   Now you must specify what to calculate.

3. Enter the formula.

   Your formula should include:

   • Values, like the number 5.
   • Cell References, like cell A1. You can add cell references by typing them or clicking the cell you want to reference.
   • Operators, or math symbols you want to use in your calculations:
     + (add)
     - (subtract)
     * (multiply)
     / (divide)
4. Click the Enter button or press Enter when you're finished entering your formula.
   

   If you entered the formula correctly, the results of the formula will appear in the cell.

Operator	Formula Example	Description
=		All formulas must start with an equal sign.
+	=2+2	Add values.
-	=A1-B1	Subtract values.
*	=B1*2	Multiply values.
/	=A1/C2	Divide values.
SUM	=SUM(A1:A3)	Totals numbers in a range.
Average	=AVERAGE(A2,B1,C3)	Averages numbers in a range.

Automatic Recalculation

If you change the data referenced in a formula, Excel will automatically recalculate the formula to include the updated data.

1. Change the values of the cells that are referenced in a formula.
   

Any formulas are automatically recalculated with the changes.

Edit a Formula

It's easy to make changes to a formula too.

1. Click the formula you want to edit.
2. Click in the Formula bar.
3. Edit the formula.
4. Press Enter.
   

Excel updates the value of the cell(s) that your formula calculates.

The Formulas Tab

The Formulas tab on the ribbon contains multiple commands that you can use when working with formulas.

1. Click the Formulas tab.
   

   The Formulas tab displays. There are two main areas to the tab:

   • The left side has options to help you create formulas and
   • The right side has options to help fix errors.