When carrying out a calculation or entering a formula into a cell on a spreadsheet, the formula must start with =.
A formula could be:
| Example | Format |
| Simple Numbers | =5+8 |
| Mixture of cell references and numbers | =A1*3 |
| Cell References | =C2-C3 |
| Direct Cell Reference | =E12 |
The most important thing to remember about formulas is that, if they contain a cell reference, when they are copied from one cell to another cell or group of cells, the row and column numbers automatically change as appropriate. They will automatically relate to the row or column references of the new cell to which the formula has been transferred.
The most common mathematical operators are:
| Addition | + |
| Subtraction | – |
| Multiplication | * |
| Division | / |
| Brackets | ( ) |
Operator Precedence
As with normal mathematics, there is an order that will be followed when a formula is interpreted. This is known as the operator precedence.
The order of calculations within any formula is:
- Any calculation contained within brackets is done first
- Addition and subtraction are ranked the same
- Multiplication and division are ranked the same
For example, in the formula =(A2+10)/5
1st the figure of 10 is added to the contents of cell A2
2nd the result is divided by 100
This would give a different result that =A2+10/5. In this case
1st 10 would be divided by 5
2nd the result would be added to the contents of cell A2
The brackets are extremely important.