Adding formula for excel

You can create a simple formula to add, subtract, multiply or divide values in your worksheet. Simple formulas always start with an equal sign (=), followed by constants that are numeric values and calculation operators such as plus (+), minus (—), asterisk(*), or forward slash (/) signs.

Let’s take an example of a simple formula.

1. On the worksheet, click the cell in which you want to enter the formula.

2. Type the = (equal sign) followed by the constants and operators (up to 8192 characters) that you want to use in the calculation.

   For our example, type =1+1.

   Notes: 

   • Instead of typing the constants into your formula, you can select the cells that contain the values that you want to use and enter the operators in between selecting cells.

   • Following the standard order of mathematical operations, multiplication and division is performed before addition and subtraction.

3. Press Enter (Windows) or Return (Mac).

Let’s take another variation of a simple formula. Type =5+2*3 in another cell and press Enter or Return. Excel multiplies the last two numbers and adds the first number to the result.

Use AutoSum

You can use AutoSum to quickly sum a column or row or numbers. Select a cell next to the numbers you want to sum, click AutoSum on the Home tab, press Enter (Windows) or Return (Mac), and that’s it!

When you click AutoSum, Excel automatically enters a formula (that uses the SUM function) to sum the numbers.

Note: You can also type ALT+= (Windows) or ALT++= (Mac) into a cell, and Excel automatically inserts the SUM function.

Here’s an example. To add the January numbers in this Entertainment budget, select cell B7, the cell immediately below the column of numbers. Then click AutoSum. A formula appears in cell B7, and Excel highlights the cells you’re totaling.

Press Enter to display the result (95.94) in cell B7. You can also see the formula in the formula bar at the top of the Excel window.

Notes: 

• To sum a column of numbers, select the cell immediately below the last number in the column. To sum a row of numbers, select the cell immediately to the right.

• Once you create a formula, you can copy it to other cells instead of typing it over and over. For example, if you copy the formula in cell B7 to cell C7, the formula in C7 automatically adjusts to the new location, and calculates the numbers in C3:C6.

• You can also use AutoSum on more than one cell at a time. For example, you could highlight both cell B7 and C7, click AutoSum, and total both columns at the same time.

Copy the example data in the following table, and paste it in cell A1 of a new Excel worksheet. If you need to, you can adjust the column widths to see all the data.

Note: For formulas to show results, select them, press F2, and then press Enter (Windows) or Return (Mac).

Data
2
5
Formula	Description	Result
=A2+A3	Adds the values in cells A1 and A2	=A2+A3
=A2-A3	Subtracts the value in cell A2 from the value in A1	=A2-A3
=A2/A3	Divides the value in cell A1 by the value in A2	=A2/A3
=A2*A3	Multiplies the value in cell A1 times the value in A2	=A2*A3
=A2^A3	Raises the value in cell A1 to the exponential value specified in A2	=A2^A3
Formula	Description	Result
=5+2	Adds 5 and 2	=5+2
=5-2	Subtracts 2 from 5	=5-2
=5/2	Divides 5 by 2	=5/2
=5*2	Multiplies 5 times 2	=5*2
=5^2	Raises 5 to the 2nd power	=5^2

Need more help?

You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in the Answers community.

Чаще всего под формулами в Excel подразумевают именно встроенные функции, предназначенные для выполнения расчетов, и куда реже математические формулы, имеющие уже устоявшийся вид.

В этой статье я рассмотрю обе темы, чтобы каждый пользователь нашел ответ на интересующий его вопрос.

Окно вставки функции

Некоторые юзеры боятся работать в Экселе только потому, что не понимают, как именно устроены функции и каким образом их нужно составлять, ведь для каждой есть свои аргументы и особые нюансы написания. Упрощает задачу наличие окна вставки функции, в котором все выполнено в понятном виде.

1. Для его вызова нажмите по кнопке с изображением функции на панели ввода данных в ячейку.

2. В нем используйте поиск функции, отобразите только конкретные категории или выберите подходящую из списка. При выделении функции левой кнопкой мыши на экране отображается текст о ее предназначении, что позволит не запутаться.

3. После выбора наступает время заняться аргументами. Для каждой функции они свои, поскольку выполняются совершенно разные задачи. На следующем скриншоте вы видите аргументы суммы, которыми являются два числа для суммирования.

4. После вставки функции в ячейку она отобразится в стандартном виде и все еще будет доступна для редактирования.

Используем вкладку с формулами

В Excel есть отдельная вкладка, где расположена вся библиотека формул. Вы можете использовать ее для быстрого поиска и вставки необходимой функции, а для редактирования откроется то же самое окно, о котором шла речь выше. Просто перейдите на вкладку с соответствующим названием и откройте одну из категорий для выбора функции.

Как видно, их названия тематические, что позволит не запутаться и сразу отобразить тот тип формул, который необходим. Из списка выберите подходящую и дважды кликните по ней левой кнопкой мыши, чтобы добавить в таблицу.

Приступите к стандартному редактированию через окно аргументов функции. Кстати, здесь тоже есть описания, способные помочь быстрее разобраться с принципом работы конкретного инструмента. К тому же ниже указываются доступные значения, которые можно использовать для работы с выбранной формулой.

Ручная вставка формулы в Excel

Опытные пользователи, работающие в Excel каждый день, предпочитают вручную набирать формулы, поскольку так это делать быстрее всего. Они запоминают синтаксис и каждый аргумент, что не только ускоряет процесс, но и делает его более гибким, ведь при использовании одного окна с аргументами довольно сложно расписать большую цепочку сравнений, суммирований и других математических операций. 

Для начала записи выделите ячейку и обязательно поставьте знак =, после чего начните вписывать название формулы и выберите ее из списка.

Далее начните записывать аргументы, в чем помогут всплывающие подсказки. По большей части они нужны для того, чтобы не запутаться в последовательности и разделителях. 

По завершении нажмите клавишу Enter, завершив тем самым создание формулы. Если все записано правильно, и программе удается рассчитать результат, он отобразится в выбранной ячейке. При возникновении ошибки вы сможете ознакомиться с ее текстом, чтобы найти решение.

Вставка математических формул

В завершение поговорим о математических формулах в Excel, так как тематика статьи подразумевает и вставку таких объектов в таблицу тоже. Доступные уравнения относятся к символам, поэтому для их поиска понадобится перейти на вкладку со вставкой и выбрать там соответствующий раздел.

Из появившегося списка найдите подходящее для вас уравнение или приступите к его ручному написанию, выбрав последний вариант.

На экране появится редактор и блок формулы. Его используйте для перемещения, а сам редактор – для того, чтобы заносить в формулу числа и редактировать ее под себя. Учитывайте, что в этом случае не работают никакие проверки, поэтому правильность написания проверять придется собственноручно.

Это были самые простые способы вставить функции и формулы в Excel. Первые три помогут создать операции, а последний пригодится математикам и тем, кто выполняет сложные расчеты при помощи таблицы и нуждается во вставке математических формул.

How to Create a Formula in Excel Beginner Tutorial (2023)

How to Create a Formula in Excel: Beginner Tutorial (2023)

Excel is all about running calculations! And so creating and operating a formula in Excel is simple.

An Excel formula is a combination of operators and operands. For example, 2 + 2 = 4 is a formula where 2s are the operands, plus sign (+) is the operator, and 4 is the answer to the formula.

Only if you know the basics to write a formula in Excel – there’s a high chance you’d solve most of your Excel problems. This article explains the basics of creating Excel formulas.

So let’s dive right in.

As you scroll down, download our free sample workbook here to practice the examples used in the guide below. 😀

How to create formulas in Excel

Creating Excel formulas is easy as pie.

For example, what is 10 divided by 2? Can you calculate this in Excel?

1. Start by activating a cell.

2. Write an equal sign.

It is very important to start any formula with an equal sign. If you do not start with an equal sign, Excel wouldn’t recognize it as a formula but as a text string.

Kasper Langmann, Microsoft Office Specialist

3. Input the simple mathematical operation of 10 divided by 2.

= 10 / 2

4. Hit enter, and you’re good to go!

You can create the same above formula with a slight variation.

For example, if you have the operands as cell values.

1. Write the formula using cell references as follows.

= A2 / B2

The above formula translates to ‘A2 divided by A3’.

Where A2 has the numeric value 10, and A3 has the numeric value 2.

2. The results remain the same as in the above example.

Creating a formula using cell references and values

The same formula can also be created using a combination of cell references and values.

Write the following formula using cell references and values.

= A2 / 2

The above formula translates to ‘A2 divided by 2’.

Where A2 has the numeric value 10, and 2 is a value.

1. The results look as follows.

Pro Tip!

Using cell references is better than using absolute values. This is because if sometime later you change the cell value – the formula would automatically update.

How to add, subtract, multiply, and divide?

There are four basic mathematical operations – add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

Let’s now see how to perform each of these operations in Excel.

How to make a SUM formula (addition)

Adding things up in Excel can take different forms.

Excel has an in-built function for performing addition i.e. the SUM function. Here’s how you can bring it to action.

1. Write the SUM function beginning with an equal sign as follows.

= SUM (5, 5)

Every argument of the SUM function separated by a comma represents the value to be added.

Excel adds 5 into 5 to give the results below.

Easy enough? You can use the SUM function for cell references too. 🤩

2. Write the SUM function as follows.

= SUM (A2, A3)

Pro Tip!

To insert SUM from the Insert Function button, take this route.

Go to Formulas tab > Function Library > Insert function button > Type the function name.

In the Insert Function dialog box, type SUM and hit search. Select the desired function and hit ‘Okay’ to insert the same.

Excel adds the cell values of Cell A2 and Cell A3.

What makes the SUM function a big plus is its ability to add up a range of cells.

For example, see the data below.

3. To add this up in Excel using the SUM function, write the SUM function as below.

= SUM (A2:A10)

Must notice how we have defined the cell range from Cell A2 to Cell A10 as A2:A10.

4. Excel sums up all cell values in cells from A2 to A10.

You can make this function work even more interestingly by adding up multiple ranges.

5. Write the SUM function with multiple ranges as follows.

= SUM (A2:A5, B2:B8, C1:C10)

How to subtract in Excel

Subtracting in Excel is all about creating a formula with the minus sign operator (-).

For example:

1. To subtract 5 from 10, begin with an equal sign and write the following formula.

= 10 – 5

A simple subtraction formula with a minus sign operator!

Press enter and here you go.

2. Try doing the same with cell references as below.

= A2 – A3

This formula translates to A2 less A3. Where A2 has the numeric value 10, and A3 has the numeric value 5.

3. Alternatively, you can use the SUM function to perform subtraction. However, to do this you need to add a minus sign to the value to be subtracted.

= SUM (A2, -A3)

Here are the results.

How to multiply in Excel

After we have learned how to add and subtract in Excel, it’s time we learn multiplication in Excel.

First thing first, the operator for multiplication in Excel is an asterisk (*).

Now, do you remember what is 9 times 8? No?

1. Write a multiplication formula in Excel.

= 9 * 8

2. Try doing the same using cell references as below.

= A2 * A3

The formula above translates to A2 multiplied by A3.

Excel also offers an in-built function for multiplication in Excel. The PRODUCT Function!

3. Write the PRODUCT function as follows.

= PRODUCT (9,

We have added both the values to be multiplied as the arguments to the PRODUCT function.

Here are the results.

The PRODUCT function can also find the product of multiple values (or a range of cells) at once.

For example, see the data below.

4. To multiply all these values, write the PRODUCT function as follows:

= PRODUCT (A2:A10)

Excel multiplies all the values in the specified range.

How to divide in Excel

Here comes the last operation of this guide – division. 🤞

Creating a division formula in Excel is also very straightforward.

What is the operator for division? A forward slash (/).

Also, the dividend (or the numerator) comes before the slash. And the divisor (or the denominator) comes after the slash.

Kasper Langmann, Microsoft Office Specialist

1. Write a division formula as below.

= 30 / 10

Excel divides both operands to give the results as follows.

2. The same can be done using cell references.

= A2 / A3

Pro Tip!

While performing the division function in Excel, you might see the #DIV/0! Error. This error is given back by Excel when you attempt to divide the number of zero.

Basic Rule of Grade 6! No number is divisible by zero. Excel remembers that, if not us. 😆

Order of operations

Here’s an equation for you to solve.

= 2+ 4 * 6 / 3 – 2

What a mess! Which operation do you perform first?

To solve this mystery, there is an order for performing mathematical operations – PEMDAS

P = Parenthesis

E = Exponents

MD = Multiplication & Division (left to right)

AS = Addition & Subtraction

Solve the above equation in the same order, and you’d reach the answer 8.

Let Excel do the same to see the results.

Excel performs division first (6 / 3 = 2), multiplication second (4 * 2 = 8), addition third (2 + 8 = 10), and subtraction last (10 – 2 = 8), resulting in 8.

Now, let’s enclose a part of this formula in parentheses to see how the results change.

= 2+ 4 * 6 / (3 – 2)

What causes the results to change with only parenthesis added?

Excel now first performs the operation enclosed in parenthesis i.e. (3-2).

Next, multiplication is performed, then division and addition last. This causes the answer to change.

Pro Tip!

Try doing some mental maths to double-check if Excel has rightly calculated 26.

Parenthesis first = 2+ 4*6/(3 – 2)

Multiplication Second= 2+4*6/1

Division Third = 2 + 24/1

Addition Last = 2 + 24

Here’s the answer = 26

How to create formulas with references

Creating Excel formulas with references is super simple. All you need to do is replace the values in a simple formula with cell references (cells that contain those values).

For example, let’s create a multiplication formula in Excel.

Great! What if you had 2 & 4 as numerical values in cells?

Create the same formula using cell references.

You can do the same for all operators! It is this simple.

Also, what happens when a cell value changes? Until the cell reference is in place, the formula would automatically update for the cell value change.

Must note how the cell reference in the formula remains unchanged. The answer however changes as the cell value for A3 has changed.ltiple criteria lookup💡

Formulas or functions?

What is an Excel formula, and what is an Excel function? And how are these two different?

There are two ways to add 2 and 2 in Excel.

1. = 2 + 2
2. SUM (2,2)

The answer to them both would be the same. However, the first one is a formula created in Excel. Whereas the second one is an in-built function of Excel – the SUM function.

Functions are more like predefined formulas in Excel.

Although the function library of Microsoft Excel is huge enough for you to explore, there is a limit to it. And you may not find everything you need there.

So, you might still need to write your own formulas to perform calculations in Excel. 😉

Pro Tip!

Sometimes, you might even nest a function into a formula.

For example, what is 2 + 2 – 3?

You may write it as = (SUM (2,2)) – 3

SUM (2,2) is a function, and deducting 3 from it makes it a self-created formula.

That’s it – Now what?

Until now, we’ve created formulas using different operators, values, and cell references. And learned how to use the SUM function for addition and subtraction.

Not only that but we’ve also studied the order of operations in Excel. The above article is a whole pack of information, isn’t it?

Creating your own formulas in Excel is the first step to manipulating numbers in Excel. However, this is something very basic, and Excel has tons more to offer.

Some very important Excel functions that one must hone include the VLOOKUP, SUMIF, and IF functions.

Haven’t mastered them yet? Click here to register for my 30-minute free email course that helps you learn these and much more.

Kasper Langmann2023-02-23T14:38:38+00:00

How to Create a Simple Formula in Excel

To create a formula in excel must start with the equal sign “=”. If there is no equals sign, then whatever is typed in the cell will not be regarded as a formula.

Here’s how to create a simple formula, which is a formula for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. An addition formula using the plus sign “+”, subtraction formula using the negative sign “-“, a multiplication formula using an asterisk sign “*” and division formula using the slash “/”.

Addition Formula

There are two numbers in cell B1 and B2. How to create a formula in excel to add both of them?

There are several ways of writing a formula. The first way is using the keyboard and the arrow keys, the second way using the keyboard and mouse and a third way to use the keyboard by typing directly the formula and the address of cell involved.

For the above addition, the formula will be used the first way.

1. Place the cursor in cell B4 and then type the equals sign “=”

1. Press the up arrow button, point to cell B1, the cursor turns into dashed line.

1. Type the plus sign “+” for the addition operation

1. Press the up arrow button again, point to cell B2

1. Press the ENTER key

The result is as shown below

Subtraction Formula

How to write a formula in excel for subtracting number1 by number2?. The reduction formula to use the second way, i.e. using the keyboard and mouse.

1. Place the cursor in cell B5 and then type the equals sign “=”
2. Click cell B1 using the mouse
3. Type the negative sign “-” for the subtraction operation
4. Click cell B2 using the mouse
5. Press the ENTER key

For more details, you can see the animation below.

Multiplication Formula

How to make a formula in excel to multiply number1 by number2. For the multiplication formula using the third way of using the keyboard by writing directly the formula and the address of the cell involved.

1. Place the cursor in cell B6 and then type the equals sign “=”
2. Type B1
3. Type an asterisk “*” for multiplication operations
4. Type B2
5. Press the ENTER key

For more details, you can see the animation below.

Division Formula

How to do formulas in excel to divide number1 with number2.

1. Place the cursor in cell B7 and then type the equals sign “=”
2. Point the cursor to cell B1
3. Type a slash mark “/” for the division operation
4. Point the cursor to cell B2
5. Press the ENTER key

The result is as shown below

How to View Formulas in Excel

The easiest way to see the formula in a cell is to look at the formula bar. Point the cursor to a cell that contains a formula, then the formula bar will display the formula in the cell. The location of the formula bar is below the ribbon menu.

The picture above shows the formula contained in cell B4. To see formulas in other cells just move the cursor to the desired cell and see the formula in the formula bar.

Formula bar can only display formulas in the active cell, meaning only one formula can be shown. To be able to display all the formulas in a worksheet, please read the article below “How to Display Cell Formulas in Excel”

How to Edit Formula in Excel

There are two ways to edit a formula, using the F2 key or using a formula bar.

Editing with the F2 key

Place the cursor in the cell containing the formula, then press the F2 key. The contents of the formula will appear, and the cells involved in the formula will be marked with a colored box.

The picture below shows the existing addition formula in cell B4. There are two cells involved in the formula: cell B1 and B2. The address of the cell B1 light blue colored then the cell B1 will be surrounded with the same colored line, likewise with cell B2, the color of lines around it is same as cell B2 address color.

For example, the formula will be edited by adding the number 2. Type the plus sign “+”, number 2 and then press the ENTER key.

The results are as shown below. The formula in cell B4 has changed.

Editing with the formula bar

Place the cursor in the cell containing the formula, then click on the formula bar section. The formula in the cell will appear automatically. The display will be the same as when pressing the F2 key.

The picture below shows the existing subtraction formula in cell B5. For example, the formula will be edited by subtracting the number 2. Type a negative sign “-” number 2, then press the ENTER key.

How to Copy Formula in Excel

The cell that contains the formula can be copied like any other data. The difference, which is copied is the formula, not the value of the cell and the cell address forming the formula will be changed according to the location.

See image below. Cell B4 contains a formula that adds the value of cell B1 and B2. The formula will be copied and placed in the range C4: F4.

Place the cursor in cell B4. Do a copy (CTRL + C). Select C4: F4 range, then paste it (CTRL + V).

The result is as shown below.

The value of cell C4 to F4 is not equal to the value of cell B4, because excel copied the formula, not the cell value. Cell C4 contains a formula that adds C1 and C2 values, as well as cell D4 until F4; all contain a formula that adds cell values in row 1 and row 2 in the same column.

Another way to copy formula in excel

In addition to using the keyboard, there is another way to copy the formula, which is using the mouse. Eg formula in cell B5 will be copied. Click cell B5, point mouse to bottom right of cell B5 until the cursor change shape become thinner. Click and hold, then drag the cursor until cell F5. The result is as shown below.

Is there any other way to copy the formula with the mouse, of course 😊. For example, the formula in range B6: B7 will be copied. Select range B6: B7, then right click select copy. Select range C6: F7, right click, select Paste. The result as shown below.

How to Paste Special in Excel

If the cell that contains the formula is copied, the formulas are copied, not its value. The question is what if you want to copy the value, not the formulas. The solution is using Paste Special.

For example, there are data like the image above. Range A4:F7 mostly contains the formula, what if the range is copied and placed on the range A9:F11?.

Select range A4:F7. Do a copy (CTRL+C). Place the cursor in cell A9, and then do a paste (CTRL + V). The results are as shown below.

The results are different. If checked, cell B9 contains formula =B6+B7, as well as other cells in range B9:F12, all containing formulas.

For copying its value only. Select range A4:F7. Do a copy (CTRL+C). Place the cursor in cell A9, and then do a paste special (CTRL+ALT+V). A dialog box appears as shown below. Select “Values”, then click OK.

The results are shown below.

The results are equal to the range A4: F7. If rechecked, the content of cell B9 and other cells in the range B9:F12 is not a formula but a number.

How to Display Cell Formulas in Excel

To see the existing formula in a cell already discussed earlier. There is one drawback, only can see the formula in one cell only. If you want to see all the formulas that exist in the worksheet, the only way is to use the “Show Formulas” command.

The location is on Ribbon Menu, Formulas tab, auditing group formula. Click once, then all data generated from formula will show its formula. Click once again; it will return to its original state.

If you want to use the Show Formulas command faster, use the shortcut CTRL + ` (grave accent, in the left position of keyboard 1 and above the left tab)