Formula Basics

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 Sheets. Example: =SUM(A1:A2).

Create a Formula

1. Select the cell where you want to enter a formula.
2. Press =.
   
3. Enter the formula.
   • Add cells by clicking them or typing their cell reference.
   • Operators include:

     + (add)

     - (subtract)

     * (multiply)

     / (divide)

4. Press Enter when you're finished.
   

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	Adds values.
-	=A1-B1	Subtracts values.
*	=B1*2	Multiplies values.
/	=A1/C2	Divides values.
SUM	=SUM(A1:A3)	Totals numbers in a range.
AVERAGE	=AVERAGE(A2,B1,C3)	Averages numbers in a range.

Update a Formula Result

Every time a cell that a formula references is updated, the formula result updates as well. Let's see that in action.

1. Formulas will automatically recalculate when changes are made to referenced cells.
   

Edit a Formula

1. Select the cell where you want to edit a formula.
2. Click in the formula bar.
   
3. Edit the formula in the formula bar.
   
4. Press Enter.

The formula is edited based on the changes you made to it.