Formulas are equations that can perform calculations, return information, manipulate the contents of other cells, test conditions, and more. A formula always starts with an equal sign (=).
The following table shows some examples of formulas and their descriptions.
| Formula |
Description |
| =5+2*3 |
Adds 5 to the product of 2 times 3. |
| =SQRT(A1) |
Uses the SQRT function to return the square root of the value in A1. |
| =TODAY() |
Returns the current date. |
| =IF(A1>0,"Plus","Minus") |
Tests the cell A1 to determine if it contains a value greater than 0. If the result of the test is true, the text "Plus" appears in the cell; if the result is false, the text "Minus" appears. |
How?
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Select a cell and start typing
In a cell, type an equal sign (=) to start the formula.
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 |
Fill in the rest of the formula
Do one of the following:
- Type a combination of numbers and operators; for example, 3+7.
- Use the mouse to select other cells (inserting an operator between them). For example, select B1 and then type a plus sign (+), select C1 and type +, and then select D1.
- Type a letter to choose from a list of worksheet functions. For example, typing "a" displays all available functions that start with the letter "a."
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Complete the formula
- To complete a formula that uses a combination of numbers, cell references, and operators, press ENTER.
- To complete a formula that uses a function, fill in the required information for the function and then press ENTER. For example, the ABS function requires one numeric value — this can be a number that you type, or a cell that you select that contains a number.
Your completed formulas might look like the following examples:
| Formula |
Description |
| =3+7 |
Adds two numbers |
| =B1+C1+D1 |
Adds the values in three cells |
| =ABS(-3) |
Converts a number to its positive value |
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Next steps
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