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Sunday 28 July 2013

Excel Formula



Formula Basics in Excel

For people just getting started with Excel, the layout can be a bit intimidating because it is essentially just a blank grid. But once you learn how to navigate the program and enter data, you'll want to start manipulating that data. Excel's numerous functions range from the basics like summing a group of cells or finding a maximum value to complex functions such as standard deviation or Bessel functions. To practice working will formulas, start with just a few cells of data and formulas that represent basic concepts with which you are already familiar.

Formula Syntax

To designate a cell as a formula, you must first type an equals sign. Each formula has its own specific syntax. For example, the "SUM" formula has a very simple syntax because the only parameter it takes is the cells you want to add. By comparison, the "ROUND" formula takes two parameters: the cell you want to round and the number of digits to which you want to round the number. When you enter a formula, Excel reminds you of the syntax as you type.

Referencing Cells

While it is possible to compute formulas using only numbers, the real power of Excel is that you can compute formulas with data from other cells. To reference a single cell, simply type the name of the cell. For example, B4 or D15. To reference a range of cells, use a colon between the first and last cell. For example, B4:D15. You can also list multiple distinct cells by separating them with commas. For example, B4,B15,E16.

Mathematical Symbols

When writing formulas, you may find it useful or necessary to include mathematical symbols. For example, if you want to round the difference of two cells, you can use the formula, "=ROUND(A4-A5,2)." The use of the subtraction sign first finds the difference of the two cells before the formula rounds the difference. Parentheses are beneficial if you need to group certain pieces of data or if you want to nest formulas.

Using Formulas

To enter a formula, you can simply start typing the name and then double-click on the match you want to use. However, if you cannot remember the formula or you aren't sure if the formula you want exists, click the "Insert Function" button on the "Formulas" tab. You can either search for a description of the function or select the category of the formula. When you find the formula you want to use, select it and click "OK." A dialog box will prompt you to enter each necessary piece of data. When you have filled out all of the fields, click "OK" and the result of your formula will


 

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