SlideShare a Scribd company logo
2
Most read
1
Excel Formulas & Functions
Tips & Techniques
Excel makes use of formulas (mathematical expressions that you
create) and functions (mathematical expressions already available
in Excel) to dynamically calculate results from data in your
worksheets.
Constructing a formula
• To start entering a formula in a cell, click in that cell and
then type the formula. Type return or tab to move to the
next cell when you have finished entering the formula.
• All formulas begin with the = symbol.
• All formulas use the following mathematical operators:
o * multiplication
o / division
o + addition
o - subtraction
• Formulas containing numbers will produce a result that
will not ever change.
o The formula =3*8 produces the result 24.
• However, a formula containing cell references produces a
result that may change if the data in those cells changes.
o The formula =C3+D3 will produce a result based
upon the data in cells C3 and D3.
2
Using the order of mathematical operations
All formulas utilize the standard mathematical order of operations
when calculating results.
• If a part of a formula is in parentheses, that part will always
be calculated before the rest of the formula.
o The formula =(B2*C2)-A3 will subtract data in cell
A3 from the multiplied product of cells B2 and C2.
• After expressions in parentheses, Excel will calculate your
formula using the math operators in the following order
o Multiplication
o Division
o Addition
o Subtraction
• In other words, Excel will begin to parse your formula
starting with any multiplication and division. Once this is
complete, Excel will add and subtract the remainder of
your formula.
Inserting a function
Each of Excel’s functions is a predefined formula, and most act on
a range of cells that you select. (Excel refers to each range of cells
in the function as an argument.) Although a few functions do not
use arguments, most have one or more and some complex
functions use as many as 3 or 4 arguments. Excel provides a Paste
Function window to simplify the process of inserting functions
into your worksheets and eliminate the need to remember the exact
syntax of each function.
• Select the cell into which you want to insert a function.
• From the Insert menu, choose Function. Alternatively,
you can click on the Paste Function button on the standard
toolbar.
3
• In the Paste Function window, click on the function
category containing the function you want. Next, click on
the name of the function you wish to insert. Once you
have selected a function, click OK.
• Next, Excel will display a syntax window to help you
construct the function. From this window, first click on the
collapse button (labeled with a red arrow) to the right of
the box labeled Number1 or Value1 (depending on the
function you chose to insert).
• Drag to select the range of cells to be included as the
function’s first argument. Type enter.
• To insert additional arguments into the function, follow this
process using the other Number boxes in the syntax
window.
• When you have finished, click OK in the syntax window
to insert the function into your worksheet.
4
Searching for help on functions
From the Paste Function window, Excel offers help on a function
that you have selected as well as help finding the function that will
perform a task you describe.
Getting help on a specific function
• To get help on a specific function, click on the function’s
name at the right of the Paste Function window and then
click on the Help button at the window’s lower left.
• Click on Help with this feature in the yellow callout box
that appears, and then click on Help on selected function
in the callout box that appears next. Excel will display its
Help topic on the function that you selected.
5
Finding a function
• From the Paste Function window, click on the Help button
in the lower left corner, and then click on Help with this
feature in the yellow callout box that appears.
• In the box at the bottom of the next yellow callout box,
type a description of the calculation you wish to perform.
Click on Search.
• Excel will display a list of functions that may meet your
criteria in the Recommended list at the right of the Paste
Function window. To learn more about one of these
functions, click on its name and then click Help on
selected function.
6
Using functions with external data
Although most functions utilize data on the same worksheet, you
can also use data on other worksheets or in other. In this way, you
can consolidate data from multiple sources into an executive
summary.
• Before beginning, open any workbooks that contain data
to be used in your function.
• Select the cell into which you want to insert a function.
• Open the Paste Function window, click on the name of
the function you wish to insert, and click OK.
• Collapse the gray syntax window, using the collapse
button (labeled with a red arrow).
• Navigate so that the worksheet or workbook containing
your data is visible on your screen.
• Drag to select the range of cells to be included as the
function’s first argument. Type enter.
• Excel will insert the reference to the cells that you selected
(including the name of the external worksheet and
workbook) into your function. Click OK to finish your
function.
Tip: Naming external data ranges
When you select a range of cells on an external worksheet, Excel
will add the name of your external worksheet to the cell range
reference that it creates. In the example above, Excel refers to the
selected cells (from the expenses worksheet) as expenses!D5:D15.
If those cells were in an external workbook, the name of that
workbook would preface the worksheet name. In general,
references to external data look like this:
[workbook name.xls]worksheet name!C1:C34
7
Tip: Using external data in formulas
Use this technique to insert external data in your formulas, as well.
When creating a formula, navigate to the external worksheet
containing your and click to select that cell’s data for use in your
formula. Excel will automatically insert the correct cell reference
(including the worksheet and workbook names) into your formula.
Function Cheat Sheet
Functions Description Syntax Example
Functions without arguments
Rand Generates a
random number
between 0 and 1
=Rand() =Rand()*3;
(generates a random
number between 0
and 3)
Pi Generates the
value of pi to 14
decminal places
=Pi() =Pi()
Functions with 1 argument
Average Produces the
average of the
data in a range of
cells
=average(Cx:Cy) =average(C1:C12)
Max Produces the
greatest value in a
column of cells
=max(Cx:Cy) =max(C1:C12)
Hour Returns the
number of hours
past midnight for
the specified time
=hour(Cx)
=hour(time)
=hour(A34)
=hour(1:35 PM)
Minute Returns the
number of minutes
past the hour for
the specified time
=minute (Cx)
=minute (time)
=minute(A34)
=minute(1:35 PM)
Sqrt Produces the
square root of its
argument
=sqrt(Cx)
=sqrt(number)
=sqrt(Cx)
=sqrt(9)
Functions with 2 arguments
Round Rounds a value to
a specified digit to
the left or right of
the decimal point
=round(Cx, number)
=round (value,
number)
=round(A22, 2);
(rounds to 2 decimal
places)
=round (123.45,0);
(rounds to 0 decimal
places)
Countif Counts the number
of cells in a range
that meet a
specified criteria
=countif(Cx:Cy,
“>criteria”)
=countif(C1:C12,
“>150”)
8
Functions Description Syntax Example
Functions with 3 arguments
If Provides the
basis for a
decision; if
condition is
met, one
answer is
returned; if
condition is not
met, another
answer is
returned
=if(condition,“a
nswer1”,
”answer2)
=if(A1>0,”yes”,”no); if the value
of A1 is positive, Excel returns
the answer “yes”; otherwise,
Excel returns the answer “no”
Sumif Produces the
sum of the cells
in a range if
any cells in a
second range
meet a
selection
criterion
=sumif(Cx:Cy,c
riterion,Dx:Dy)
Cx:Cy: the
range of cells to
meet the
criterion
Dx:Dy: the
range of cells
from which sum
will be
calculated
=sumif(C1:C12, >150,D1:D12)
Functions with one or more arguments
And Returns a
logical TRUE
response if all
of its arguments
are true;
otherwise
returns false
=and(condition
1,condition2,
condition3…)
=and(A1>0,A2>1,A3>3)
Or Returns a
logical TRUE
response if one
or more
arguments are
true; otherwise
returns false
=or(condition1,
condition2,
condition3…)
=or(A1>70,A1<80)
Sum Totals the data
in a column of
cells
=sum(Cx:Cy,Dx
,Dy)
=sum(C1:C12)
Referencing a range of cells….
• In other worksheets: worksheet!A1:D4
• In other workbook: c:my documents[test.xls]Sheet1!A2:A5
• Across several worksheets: sheet1:sheet5!A12

More Related Content

PDF
Excel formulas-manual
PPTX
MS Excel formula tab slides
PPTX
03 Excel formulas and functions
PPTX
Formula in MS Excel
PPTX
Using Excel Functions
PPT
Rick Watkins Docs
PPTX
Excel for research
PPTX
10 Excel Formulas that will help you in any Job
Excel formulas-manual
MS Excel formula tab slides
03 Excel formulas and functions
Formula in MS Excel
Using Excel Functions
Rick Watkins Docs
Excel for research
10 Excel Formulas that will help you in any Job

What's hot (20)

PPT
Excel IF function
PPT
Advanced Excel ppt
PPT
Excel lesson formulas and functions
PPSX
PPT
Microsoft Excel Project 1 Presentation
PDF
Excell%20basic%20training(3) 143
PDF
Excel%20basic%202 123
PPTX
Microsoft excel 2010 useful formula & functions
PDF
Excel Formulas Functions
PPTX
Management productivity tools1
PPTX
Vlookup - an introduction
PDF
Quicktip excel
PDF
Excel Tutorials - Random Value Selection from a List
PDF
How to Use VLOOKUP in Excel
PDF
Excel Formulas Functions 2007
PDF
Worksheet Basics & Navigation - Excel 2013 Tutorial
PDF
Excel Tutorials - VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP Functions
PPTX
PPT On Microsoft Excel 2007 Full Information.
Excel IF function
Advanced Excel ppt
Excel lesson formulas and functions
Microsoft Excel Project 1 Presentation
Excell%20basic%20training(3) 143
Excel%20basic%202 123
Microsoft excel 2010 useful formula & functions
Excel Formulas Functions
Management productivity tools1
Vlookup - an introduction
Quicktip excel
Excel Tutorials - Random Value Selection from a List
How to Use VLOOKUP in Excel
Excel Formulas Functions 2007
Worksheet Basics & Navigation - Excel 2013 Tutorial
Excel Tutorials - VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP Functions
PPT On Microsoft Excel 2007 Full Information.
Ad

Viewers also liked (20)

PPT
Seminar 6
XLS
Cash Flow - Excel Spreadsheet Template
PPTX
Target Audience Questionnaire Analysis
PPTX
Organising business field trips for operations management students
PPTX
Consolidated cash flow statement
PPT
Cash flow statements
PPTX
Consolidated statement of financial position
PPT
Keyboard Shortcuts
PPTX
CIMA-F2-Consolidated Financial Statements
DOCX
Financial Report of Apple Inc. 2014
PDF
Internal auditing for “one & all” (second edition)
PPT
Questionnaire
PDF
Internal audit ppt
PPTX
Literature Review (Review of Related Literature - Research Methodology)
PDF
Whittington -principles of auditing 19e
PDF
SM Lecture One : Introducing Strategy
PDF
Basic Internal Auditing Presentation
DOCX
Internal audit procedure
PPTX
Audit Process, Audit Procedures, Audit Planning, Auditing
Seminar 6
Cash Flow - Excel Spreadsheet Template
Target Audience Questionnaire Analysis
Organising business field trips for operations management students
Consolidated cash flow statement
Cash flow statements
Consolidated statement of financial position
Keyboard Shortcuts
CIMA-F2-Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Report of Apple Inc. 2014
Internal auditing for “one & all” (second edition)
Questionnaire
Internal audit ppt
Literature Review (Review of Related Literature - Research Methodology)
Whittington -principles of auditing 19e
SM Lecture One : Introducing Strategy
Basic Internal Auditing Presentation
Internal audit procedure
Audit Process, Audit Procedures, Audit Planning, Auditing
Ad

Similar to Excel formulas-manual (20)

PDF
Excel 2007-functions-formulas
PPTX
Functions and formulas of ms excel
PPTX
Presentation on key function in micro Excel
PDF
functionsandformulas-131221213835-phpapp01.pdf
PPTX
Useful Excel Functions & Formula Used everywhere.pptx
PDF
Lean Excel Top Functions - Quick Reference Guide with 500 Examples (Scott Rat...
PDF
Excel.fns frmls
PPTX
Ms Office Lecture By Rashid Sazzad .pptx
PPTX
Empowerment-Technologies-G11-W4-Q1-1.pptx
PPTX
LESSON-4-HOW-DO-I-USE-ADVANCED-EXCEL-TOOLS-TO-PROCESS-AND-PRESENTDATA.pptx
PDF
Microsoft Excel 365 Formulas BarCharts QuickStudy 1st Edition Curtis Frye
PPTX
cse111-lecture10-1491556635.pptx
PPT
Excel11
PDF
Excel presentation
PPTX
Grade 6 computer
PDF
TrainingOutline_Excel_FormulasNFunctions_Workshop (Writing Sample)
PPTX
CBN Advanced Excel Training Slide.pptx
PPT
Triad 2010 excel_chapter_2
PPT
basic excels in information communication technology
PPT
22-excel-basics-15511.ppt
Excel 2007-functions-formulas
Functions and formulas of ms excel
Presentation on key function in micro Excel
functionsandformulas-131221213835-phpapp01.pdf
Useful Excel Functions & Formula Used everywhere.pptx
Lean Excel Top Functions - Quick Reference Guide with 500 Examples (Scott Rat...
Excel.fns frmls
Ms Office Lecture By Rashid Sazzad .pptx
Empowerment-Technologies-G11-W4-Q1-1.pptx
LESSON-4-HOW-DO-I-USE-ADVANCED-EXCEL-TOOLS-TO-PROCESS-AND-PRESENTDATA.pptx
Microsoft Excel 365 Formulas BarCharts QuickStudy 1st Edition Curtis Frye
cse111-lecture10-1491556635.pptx
Excel11
Excel presentation
Grade 6 computer
TrainingOutline_Excel_FormulasNFunctions_Workshop (Writing Sample)
CBN Advanced Excel Training Slide.pptx
Triad 2010 excel_chapter_2
basic excels in information communication technology
22-excel-basics-15511.ppt

Recently uploaded (20)

PPTX
Embeded System for Artificial intelligence 2.pptx
PPTX
DEATH AUDIT MAY 2025.pptxurjrjejektjtjyjjy
PDF
How NGOs Save Costs with Affordable IT Rentals
PPTX
material for studying about lift elevators escalation
PPTX
PLC ANALOGUE DONE BY KISMEC KULIM TD 5 .0
PPT
Hypersensitivity Namisha1111111111-WPS.ppt
PPTX
making presentation that do no stick.pptx
PPTX
STEEL- intro-1.pptxhejwjenwnwnenemwmwmwm
PPTX
code of ethics.pptxdvhwbssssSAssscasascc
PPTX
Sem-8 project ppt fortvfvmat uyyjhuj.pptx
PPTX
Presentacion compuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
PPTX
"Fundamentals of Digital Image Processing: A Visual Approach"
PPTX
5. MEASURE OF INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR- MATATAG CURRICULUM.pptx
PPTX
Operating System Processes_Scheduler OSS
PPTX
title _yeOPC_Poisoning_Presentation.pptx
PPTX
Computers and mobile device: Evaluating options for home and work
DOCX
fsdffdghjjgfxfdghjvhjvgfdfcbchghgghgcbjghf
PPTX
ERP good ERP good ERP good ERP good good ERP good ERP good
PPTX
Embedded for Artificial Intelligence 1.pptx
PPT
chapter_1_a.ppthduushshwhwbshshshsbbsbsbsbsh
Embeded System for Artificial intelligence 2.pptx
DEATH AUDIT MAY 2025.pptxurjrjejektjtjyjjy
How NGOs Save Costs with Affordable IT Rentals
material for studying about lift elevators escalation
PLC ANALOGUE DONE BY KISMEC KULIM TD 5 .0
Hypersensitivity Namisha1111111111-WPS.ppt
making presentation that do no stick.pptx
STEEL- intro-1.pptxhejwjenwnwnenemwmwmwm
code of ethics.pptxdvhwbssssSAssscasascc
Sem-8 project ppt fortvfvmat uyyjhuj.pptx
Presentacion compuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
"Fundamentals of Digital Image Processing: A Visual Approach"
5. MEASURE OF INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR- MATATAG CURRICULUM.pptx
Operating System Processes_Scheduler OSS
title _yeOPC_Poisoning_Presentation.pptx
Computers and mobile device: Evaluating options for home and work
fsdffdghjjgfxfdghjvhjvgfdfcbchghgghgcbjghf
ERP good ERP good ERP good ERP good good ERP good ERP good
Embedded for Artificial Intelligence 1.pptx
chapter_1_a.ppthduushshwhwbshshshsbbsbsbsbsh

Excel formulas-manual

  • 1. 1 Excel Formulas & Functions Tips & Techniques Excel makes use of formulas (mathematical expressions that you create) and functions (mathematical expressions already available in Excel) to dynamically calculate results from data in your worksheets. Constructing a formula • To start entering a formula in a cell, click in that cell and then type the formula. Type return or tab to move to the next cell when you have finished entering the formula. • All formulas begin with the = symbol. • All formulas use the following mathematical operators: o * multiplication o / division o + addition o - subtraction • Formulas containing numbers will produce a result that will not ever change. o The formula =3*8 produces the result 24. • However, a formula containing cell references produces a result that may change if the data in those cells changes. o The formula =C3+D3 will produce a result based upon the data in cells C3 and D3.
  • 2. 2 Using the order of mathematical operations All formulas utilize the standard mathematical order of operations when calculating results. • If a part of a formula is in parentheses, that part will always be calculated before the rest of the formula. o The formula =(B2*C2)-A3 will subtract data in cell A3 from the multiplied product of cells B2 and C2. • After expressions in parentheses, Excel will calculate your formula using the math operators in the following order o Multiplication o Division o Addition o Subtraction • In other words, Excel will begin to parse your formula starting with any multiplication and division. Once this is complete, Excel will add and subtract the remainder of your formula. Inserting a function Each of Excel’s functions is a predefined formula, and most act on a range of cells that you select. (Excel refers to each range of cells in the function as an argument.) Although a few functions do not use arguments, most have one or more and some complex functions use as many as 3 or 4 arguments. Excel provides a Paste Function window to simplify the process of inserting functions into your worksheets and eliminate the need to remember the exact syntax of each function. • Select the cell into which you want to insert a function. • From the Insert menu, choose Function. Alternatively, you can click on the Paste Function button on the standard toolbar.
  • 3. 3 • In the Paste Function window, click on the function category containing the function you want. Next, click on the name of the function you wish to insert. Once you have selected a function, click OK. • Next, Excel will display a syntax window to help you construct the function. From this window, first click on the collapse button (labeled with a red arrow) to the right of the box labeled Number1 or Value1 (depending on the function you chose to insert). • Drag to select the range of cells to be included as the function’s first argument. Type enter. • To insert additional arguments into the function, follow this process using the other Number boxes in the syntax window. • When you have finished, click OK in the syntax window to insert the function into your worksheet.
  • 4. 4 Searching for help on functions From the Paste Function window, Excel offers help on a function that you have selected as well as help finding the function that will perform a task you describe. Getting help on a specific function • To get help on a specific function, click on the function’s name at the right of the Paste Function window and then click on the Help button at the window’s lower left. • Click on Help with this feature in the yellow callout box that appears, and then click on Help on selected function in the callout box that appears next. Excel will display its Help topic on the function that you selected.
  • 5. 5 Finding a function • From the Paste Function window, click on the Help button in the lower left corner, and then click on Help with this feature in the yellow callout box that appears. • In the box at the bottom of the next yellow callout box, type a description of the calculation you wish to perform. Click on Search. • Excel will display a list of functions that may meet your criteria in the Recommended list at the right of the Paste Function window. To learn more about one of these functions, click on its name and then click Help on selected function.
  • 6. 6 Using functions with external data Although most functions utilize data on the same worksheet, you can also use data on other worksheets or in other. In this way, you can consolidate data from multiple sources into an executive summary. • Before beginning, open any workbooks that contain data to be used in your function. • Select the cell into which you want to insert a function. • Open the Paste Function window, click on the name of the function you wish to insert, and click OK. • Collapse the gray syntax window, using the collapse button (labeled with a red arrow). • Navigate so that the worksheet or workbook containing your data is visible on your screen. • Drag to select the range of cells to be included as the function’s first argument. Type enter. • Excel will insert the reference to the cells that you selected (including the name of the external worksheet and workbook) into your function. Click OK to finish your function. Tip: Naming external data ranges When you select a range of cells on an external worksheet, Excel will add the name of your external worksheet to the cell range reference that it creates. In the example above, Excel refers to the selected cells (from the expenses worksheet) as expenses!D5:D15. If those cells were in an external workbook, the name of that workbook would preface the worksheet name. In general, references to external data look like this: [workbook name.xls]worksheet name!C1:C34
  • 7. 7 Tip: Using external data in formulas Use this technique to insert external data in your formulas, as well. When creating a formula, navigate to the external worksheet containing your and click to select that cell’s data for use in your formula. Excel will automatically insert the correct cell reference (including the worksheet and workbook names) into your formula. Function Cheat Sheet Functions Description Syntax Example Functions without arguments Rand Generates a random number between 0 and 1 =Rand() =Rand()*3; (generates a random number between 0 and 3) Pi Generates the value of pi to 14 decminal places =Pi() =Pi() Functions with 1 argument Average Produces the average of the data in a range of cells =average(Cx:Cy) =average(C1:C12) Max Produces the greatest value in a column of cells =max(Cx:Cy) =max(C1:C12) Hour Returns the number of hours past midnight for the specified time =hour(Cx) =hour(time) =hour(A34) =hour(1:35 PM) Minute Returns the number of minutes past the hour for the specified time =minute (Cx) =minute (time) =minute(A34) =minute(1:35 PM) Sqrt Produces the square root of its argument =sqrt(Cx) =sqrt(number) =sqrt(Cx) =sqrt(9) Functions with 2 arguments Round Rounds a value to a specified digit to the left or right of the decimal point =round(Cx, number) =round (value, number) =round(A22, 2); (rounds to 2 decimal places) =round (123.45,0); (rounds to 0 decimal places) Countif Counts the number of cells in a range that meet a specified criteria =countif(Cx:Cy, “>criteria”) =countif(C1:C12, “>150”)
  • 8. 8 Functions Description Syntax Example Functions with 3 arguments If Provides the basis for a decision; if condition is met, one answer is returned; if condition is not met, another answer is returned =if(condition,“a nswer1”, ”answer2) =if(A1>0,”yes”,”no); if the value of A1 is positive, Excel returns the answer “yes”; otherwise, Excel returns the answer “no” Sumif Produces the sum of the cells in a range if any cells in a second range meet a selection criterion =sumif(Cx:Cy,c riterion,Dx:Dy) Cx:Cy: the range of cells to meet the criterion Dx:Dy: the range of cells from which sum will be calculated =sumif(C1:C12, >150,D1:D12) Functions with one or more arguments And Returns a logical TRUE response if all of its arguments are true; otherwise returns false =and(condition 1,condition2, condition3…) =and(A1>0,A2>1,A3>3) Or Returns a logical TRUE response if one or more arguments are true; otherwise returns false =or(condition1, condition2, condition3…) =or(A1>70,A1<80) Sum Totals the data in a column of cells =sum(Cx:Cy,Dx ,Dy) =sum(C1:C12) Referencing a range of cells…. • In other worksheets: worksheet!A1:D4 • In other workbook: c:my documents[test.xls]Sheet1!A2:A5 • Across several worksheets: sheet1:sheet5!A12