Overview of formulas in Excel

Get started on how to create formulas and use built-in functions to perform calculations and solve problems.

Create a formula that refers to values in other cells

1. Select a cell.
2. Type the equal sign =.

1. Select a cell or type its address in the selected cell.
2. Enter an operator. For example, – for subtraction.
3. Select the next cell, or type its address in the selected cell.

Enter a formula that contains a built-in function

1. Select an empty cell.
2. Type an equal sign = and then type a function. For example, =SUM for getting the total sales.
3. Type an opening parenthesis (.
4. Select the range of cells, and then type a closing parenthesis).