Basic Formulas and Functions

Name: Basic Formulas and Functions
Author: Douglas Bush

Learn basic Excel formulas and functions and how to copy them

Preview the first lesson free — get full access to all 4 lessons.

Course: On-Demand

In this lesson, I'll show you how to create basic formulas. Formulas allow us to perform calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. There are some important rules regarding formulas. All formulas start with the equal sign. Most formulas use cell references or cell addresses rather than actual values, and formulas use the following math operators. The plus sign for addition, the minus sign for subtraction, the star or asterisk for multiplication, and the forward slash for division. Now I'll show you how to create some basic formulas. In this first example, I'd like to add 10+2 and see the results in cell C1. Instead of using the values 10 and 2, I'll enter the addresses where they're located. I start with the equal sign, type A1 followed by the plus sign, and B1. To complete it, I'll press enter. By using cell addresses rather than actual values, the formula is more flexible. If I change the values, Excel will correctly recalculate the results. In the addition formula, it didn't matter which order the cells appeared in. But with subtraction, the order of the cells is very important. Excel reads the formula from left to right, so the larger number must come first, followed by the smaller number. I'll type the equal sign followed by A1, the subtraction sign, and then cell B1. I'll press Enter to view the results. With multiplication problems, the order of the cells doesn't matter. I can multiply 10 times 2 or 2 times 10 and get the same result. In this example, I'll enter the equal sign, A1, the star or asterisk for multiplication, and then cell B1. Then I'll press enter to view the results. Just like with subtraction problems, the order of cell addresses is important when doing division. I'll be taking the larger number and dividing it by the smaller number. In other words, 10 divided by 2. So I'll type equals A1, and use the forward slash to represent division, followed by B1. I'll press enter to see the results. In the final example, I'll show you two different ways to calculate percentages. Let's say I wanna determine what 7% of 100 is. Well, of course the answer is seven, but I want Excel to calculate the result for me. This first method involves a cell containing a value and a cell containing a percent. I can multiply A1 times B1 to calculate the percentage. The advantage to this approach is it's easy to change either value and Excel will instantly calculate the difference. A second way to approach this is to include the percentage in the formula itself. If I type = A1*7 and press enter, I get the same result. Thanks for watching. Stay tuned for the next lesson where I'll show you a few basic functions.

Beginner Provider : Douglas Bush 4 Lessons · 8m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese

Course Description

Excel is well known for its ability to manipulate text, dates, and values. Fortunately, you don’t need to be an expert to use Excel for simple projects. Anyone can create formulas and functions after learning a few basic concepts. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to perform simple calculations and gain valuable insights into your data.

One of the main uses for Excel involves calculating numeric results. Starting with AutoSum, you’ll learn how to create simple formulas and functions. Mastering the four basic math operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division – is an important skill every Excel user should possess. In addition, there are five simple functions – sum, average, count, max, and min – that are equally important. You’ll also learn how to save time by copying formulas and functions.

What You'll Learn

Create basic formulas in Excel
Use simple functions including sum, average, count, max, and min
Apply the four basic math operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Use AutoSum to perform quick calculations
Copy formulas across rows and down columns
Copy functions across rows and down columns

Key Takeaways

Anyone can create formulas and functions in Excel after learning a few basic concepts, without being an expert.
Mastering the four basic math operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division - is an important skill for every Excel user.
Five simple functions - sum, average, count, max, and min - are equally important to know.
Copying formulas and functions across rows and down columns saves time.
AutoSum provides a starting point for creating simple formulas and functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

It is for anyone who wants to use Excel for simple projects, since you don't need to be an expert to create formulas and functions after learning a few basic concepts.

What will I learn to do in this course?

You will learn to create basic formulas, use simple functions, and copy formulas and functions across rows and down columns.

Which functions does the course cover?

It covers five simple functions: sum, average, count, max, and min.

What topics do the lessons include?

The lessons cover Using AutoSum, Basic Formulas, Basic Functions, and Copying Formulas and Functions.

What skills does this course help build?

It helps build skills in Microsoft Excel, including Excel Formulas, Array Formulas, Excel Macros, Math Functions, and Basic Accounting Functions.