Excell%20basic%20training(3) 143

Get started with formulas
In just a few steps, you'll be up and running with building formulas and functions in Excel, the
world's most powerful spreadsheet app.
Go back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To start the tour, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.

Basics: doing ma
You can Add, Su
To Add, select ce
To Subtract, sele
To Multiply, sele
To Divide, select
Check this out: c
EXTRA CREDIT: Y
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More about form
Excel is made up
Formulas can
You'll notice tha
Formulas with f
You confirm a fo
Some formula e
=10*20 is a form
=SUM(A1:A10) i
=SUM(A1:A10,C
GOOD TO
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More informatio
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Excel functions (
Excel functions
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You can raise a value to a power by using the carat (^) symbol, like =A1^A2. Enter it with Shift+6. In cell F
p of individual cells that are grouped into rows and columns. Rows are numbered, and columns are lettere
at in our third example above, we used the SUM function. A function is a pre-built command that takes a v
unctions start with an equals sign, then the function name follows with its arguments (the values a functi
ormula by pressing Enter. Once you do that the formula will calculate, and the result will be displayed in th
is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formula
C1:C10) is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the f
sics: doing math with Excel
Dive down for more detail Next step
can Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide in Excel without using any built-in functions.
just need to use some basic operators: +, -, *, /. All formulas start with an equals (=)
To Add, select cell F3, type =C3+C4, then press Enter.
To Subtract, select cell F4, type =C3-C4, then press Enter.
To Multiply, select cell F5, type =C3*C4, then press Enter.
To Divide, select cell F6, type =C3/C4, then press Enter.
ore about formulas, cells, and ranges
is made up of individual cells that are grouped into rows and columns. Rows are
bered, and columns are lettered. There are over 1 million rows and 16,000 columns,
you can put formulas in any of them.
ulas can contain cell references, ranges of cell references, operators, and constants.
ollowing are all examples of formulas:
=A1+B1
=10*20
=SUM(A1:A10)
l notice that in our third example above, we used the SUM function. A function is a
built command that takes a value or values, calculates them in a certain way, and
ns a result. For instance, the SUM function takes the cell references or ranges you
fy, and totals them. In this example it takes the cells A1 through A10, and totals them.
has over 400 functions, which you can explore on the Formulas tab.
=
B
=

ulas with functions start with an equals sign, then the function name follows with its
ments (the values a function uses to calculate) wrapped in parentheses.
confirm a formula by pressing Enter. Once you do that the formula will calculate, and
esult will be displayed in the cell. To see the formula itself, you can look at the formula
eneath the Ribbon, or press F2 to enter Edit mode, where you'll see the formula in the
Press Enter again to finalize the formula and calculate the result.
ore information on the web
Use Excel as a calculator
Overview of formulas in Excel
Excel functions (by category)
Excel functions (alphabetical)
Free Excel training online
=
)

Numbers to use: Operation: Formulas: Answers:
1 Addition (+) 3
2 Subtraction (-) -1
Multiplication (*) 2
Division (/) 0.5
Power (^) 1
F7, enter =C3^C4.
ed. There are over 1 million rows and 16,000 columns, and you can put formulas in any of them.
value or values, calculates them in a certain way, and returns a result. For instance, the SUM function take
on uses to calculate) wrapped in parentheses.
he cell. To see the formula itself, you can look at the formula bar beneath the Ribbon, or press F2 to enter
arguments, and A1:A10 is the cell range for the function.
formula arguments, and A1:A10,C1:C10 are the cell ranges for the function separated by a comma.
EXTRA CREDIT
You can raise a value to a
power by using the carat (^)
symbol, like =C3^C4. Enter
it with Shift+6.
CHECK THIS OUT
Change the numbers here, and
watch the formula results
automatically change.
GOOD TO KNOW
Constants are values tha
While =10*20 might calc
aren't a good practice. W
constant without selecti
make it hard to change l
constants in cells, where
referenced in your form
For example: Select the y
we used the SUM functi
type in "4" or "8" directl
=A1+
B1
Operator
Cel
l
ref
ere
nce
Cell
referenc
e
=10*20
Operator
Constant Constant
=SUM(A1:A10)
Function Argument
A range of cells has a starting cell colon and an

A range of cells has a starting cell, colon, and an
ending cell. When you select a range of cells for a
formula, Excel will automatically add the colon.
=SUM(A1:A10,C1:C10
Function Argument Argument
A range of cells Another range of cells
Commas separate multiple
arguments
Opening parenthesis Closing parenthesis. Excel will usually add th
for you when you press Enter.

es the cell references or ranges you specify, and totals them. In this example it takes the cells A1 through
r Edit mode, where you'll see the formula in the cell. Press Enter again to finalize the formula and calcula
Values
4
at you enter in cells or formulas.
culate the same as =A1+B1, constants
Why? Because you can't easily see the
ing the cell and looking for it. That can
later. It's much easier to put your
e they can be easily adjusted, and
ulas.
yellow cell with 12 below. You'll see
ion with a range of cells. We didn't
ly into the formula.

A10, and totals them. Excel has over 400 functions, which you can explore on the Formulas tab.

Introduction to
Functions give y
Under the
Now let's try Au
Here's a neat ke
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EXTRA CREDITTr
Next step
More about fun
Go to the Form
If the SUM funct
The TODAY func
CHECK THIS OUT
IMPORTANT
More informatio
All about the SU
Use AutoSum to
All about the CO
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ore about functions
o the Formulas tab and browse through the Function Library, where functions are listed
ategory, like Text, Date & Time, etc. Insert Function will let you search for functions by
e, and launch a function wizard that can help you build your formula.
n you start typing a function name after you press =, Excel will launch Intellisense, which
st all of the functions starting with the letters you type. When you find the one you want,
s Tab, and Excel will automatically finish the function name and enter the opening
nthesis for you. It will also display the optional and required arguments.
let's look at the anatomy of a few functions. The SUM function is structured like this:
The function
name.
The first
argument. It's
almost always
Additional
arguments,
separated by
roduction to functions
tions give you the ability to do a variety of things, like perform mathematical
ations, look up values, or even calculate dates and times. Let's try a few ways to add up
es with the SUM function.
Under the Amount column for Fruit (cell D7), enter =SUM(D3:D6), or type =SUM(,
then select that range with the mouse, and press Enter. This will sum the values in
cells D3, D4, D5, and D6. Your answer should be 170.
Now let's try AutoSum. Select the yellow cell under the column for Meat (cell
G7), then go to Formulas > AutoSum > select SUM. You'll see Excel
automatically enter the formula for you. Press Enter to confirm it. The AutoSum
feature has all of the most common functions.
Here's a neat keyboard shortcut. Select cell D15, then press
then, Enter. This automatically enters SUM for you.
=
Alt
Dive down for more detail Next step

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All about the SUM function
Use AutoSum to sum numbers
All about the COUNT function
=SUM(D38:D41,H:H)
almost always
required.
separated by
commas (,).
he SUM function could talk, it would say, "Return the sum of all the values in cells D38
D41, and all of column H".
w, let's try one that doesn't require any arguments.
=TODAY()
The TODAY function returns today's date. It will
automatically update when Excel recalculates.

Fruit Amount Meat Amount
Apples 50 Beef 50
Oranges 20 Chicken 30
Bananas 60 Pork 10
Lemons 40 Fish 50
SUM > 170 SUM >
Item Amount Item Amount
Bread 50 Bread 50
Donuts 100 Donuts 100
Cookies 40 Cookies 40
Cakes 50 Cakes 50
Pies 20 Pies 20
SUM > COUNT >
Fruit Amount
Apples 50
Oranges 20
Bananas 60
Lemons 40
SUM > 170
Item Amount
CHECK THIS OUT
Select these cells. Then in the lower-right
corner of the Excel window, look for this:
That's called the Status Bar, and it's just
another way to quickly find a total and other
details about a selected cell or range.
EXTRA CREDIT
Try the COUNT function using any of
the methods you've already tried.
The COUNT function counts the
number of cells in a range that
contain numbers.

Cars 20
Trucks 10
Bikes 10
Skates 40
Total: Additional Value New Total
180 100 180
IMPORTANT DETAIL
Double-click this cell. You'll notice the 100 toward the end.
Although it's possible to put numbers in a formula like this,
we don't recommend it unless it's absolutely necessary.
This is known as a constant, and it's easy to forget that it's
there. We recommend referring to another cell instead,
like cell F51. That way it's easily seen and not hidden
inside a formula.

AVERAGE
function
Use the AVERA
Select cell D7,
Now select cel
In cell D15, you
CHECK THIS
Activate the prev
Go to the next she
EXTRA CREDIT
Links for more in
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Excell%20basic%20training(3) 143

Previous Next
All about the AVERAGE function
All about the MEDIAN function
All about the MODE function
VERAGE function
he AVERAGE function to get the average of numbers in a range of cells.
Select cell D7, then use AutoSum to add an AVERAGE function.
Now select cell G7, and enter an AVERAGE function by typing
=AVERAGE(G3:G6).
In cell D15, you can use either AutoSum, or type to enter another AVERAGE
function.

Apples 50 Beef 50
Bananas 60 Pork 10
Lemons 40 Fish 50
AVERAGE > AVERAGE >
Bread 50 Bread 50
Cakes 50 Cakes 50
Pies 20 Pies 20
AVERAGE >
More about the SUM function
In some of the above tips, we taught you how to use the SUM function. Here are more details about it.
Cells C37 through D41 contain data with two columns: Fruit and Amount.
The formula in cell D42: =SUM(D38:D41).
If the SUM function in cell D42 could talk, it would say this: Sum up the values in cells D38, D39, D40, an
Here's another way it can be used:
Cells C47 through D48 contain data with two columns: Item and Amount.
More information on the web
All about the SUM function
All about the SUMIF function
Use Excel as your calculator
EXTRA CREDIT
Try using MEDIAN or MODE here.
MEDIAN gives you the value in the
middle of the data set, while
MODE gives the one that occurs
the most frequently.
CHECK THIS OUT
Select any range of n
then look in the Stat
instant Average.

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MIN and MAX fun
Use the MIN func
Use the MAX func
then use the
G7, and enter a
can use either
information on
All aobut the MIN
All about the MAX
Free Excel training
KNOW
You can use eithe
More information
All about the MIN
All about the MAX
Use Excel as your
Free Excel training
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er MIN or MAX with multiple ranges, or values to show the greater or lesser of those values, like =MIN(A1:A10,B1:B1
N and MAX functions
Select cell D7, then use the AutoSum Wizard to add a MIN function.
Now select cell G7, and enter a MAX function by typing =MAX(D3:D6).
the MIN function to get the smallest number in a range of cells.
the MAX function to get the largest number in a range of cells.
In cell D15, you can use either the AutoSum Wizard, or type to enter a MIN or
MAX function.
All about the MIN function
All about the MAX function

Apples 50 Beef 50
Bananas 60 Pork 10
Lemons 40 Fish 50
MIN > MAX >
Bread 50 Bread 50
Cakes 50 Cakes 50
Pies 20 Pies 20
MIN or MAX > 10
10), or =MAX(A1:A10,10).
GOOD TO KNOW
You can use either MIN or MAX with multiple
ranges, or values to show the greater or lesser of
those values, like =MIN(A1:A10,B1:B10), or
=MAX(A1:A10,B1), where B1 contains a threshold
value, like 10, in which case the formula would
never return a result less than 10.

Date functions
Excel can give yo
Check out the T
Subtract Dates -
Add Dates - Let'
GOOD TO KNOW
DETAIL
Time functions
Excel can give yo
In cell D28,
Add up hours
If this formula c
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All about the TO
All about the NO
All about the DA
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ODAY function, which gives you Today's date. These are live, or volatile functions, so when you open your
- Enter your next birthday in MM/DD/YY format in cell D7, and watch Excel tell you how many days away
ou the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You can also add and subtract times. For
ould talk, it would say, "Take the Time Out and subtract it from the Time In, then subtract the Lunch Out
te functions
l can give you the current date, based on your computer's regional settings. You can
add and subtract Dates.
Check out the TODAY function, which gives you Today's date. These are live, or
volatile functions, so when you open your workbook tomorrow, it will have
tomorrow's date. Enter =TODAY() in cell D6.
Subtract Dates - Enter your next birthday in MM/DD/YY format in cell D7, and
watch Excel tell you how many days away it is by using =D7-D6 in cell D8.
Add Dates - Let's say you want to know what date a bill is due, or when you need to
return a library book. You can add days to a date to find out. In cell D10, enter a
random number of days. In cell D11, we added =D6+D10 to calculate the due date
from today.
me functions
l can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You can
add and subtract times. For instance, you might need to keep track of how many
s an employee worked each week, and calculate their pay and overtime.
In cell D28, enter =NOW(), which will give the current time, and will update
each time Excel calculates. If you need to change the Time format, you can go to
Ctrl+1 > Number > Time > Select the format you want.
Add up hours between times - In cell D36 we've entered =((D35-D32)-(D34-
D33))*24, which calculates someone's start and end times, then subracts the
time they took for lunch. The *24 at the end of the formula converts the
fractional portion of the day that Excel sees into hours. You'll need to format
the cell as a Number though. To do that, go to Home > Format > Cells
(Ctrl+1) > Number > Number > 2 decimals.
If this formula could talk, it would say, "Take the Time Out and subtract it from
the Time In, then subtract the Lunch Out/In Times, then multiply those by 24 to
convert Excel's fractional time to hours", or =((Time In - Time Out)-(Lunch In
- Lunch Out))*24.
*24 to convert Excel's

=((D35-D32)-(D34-D33))*24
Time Out
fraction of a day to hours
Time In
Lunch Out
Lunch In
The inner parentheses () make sure Excel calculates those
parts of the formula by themselves. The outer parentheses make sure
Excel multiplies the final inner result by 24.
Previous Next
All about the TODAY function
All about the NOW function
All about the DATE function

r workbook tomorrow, it will have tomorrow's date. Enter =TODAY() in cell D6.
it is by using =D7-D6 in cell D8.
Date functions
Today's date:
Your birthday:
Days until your birthday:
r instance, you might need to keep track of how many hours an employee worked each week, and calculat
Grace period days:
Bill due on:
t/In Times, then multiply those by 24 to convert Excel's fractional time to hours", or =((Time In - Time Out)
Time functions
Current Time:
Daily Hours Worked
Time In: 8:00 AM
Lunch Out: 12:00 PM
Lunch In: 1:00 PM
Time Out: 5:00 PM
Total Hours: 8
GOOD TO KNOW
Excel keeps dates and times based on the number of days
starting from January 1, 1900. Times are kept in fractional
portions of a day based on minutes. So 01/01/2017 12:30
PM is actually stored as 42736.5208. If the Time or Date
show up as numbers like that, then you can press Ctrl+1 >
Number > select a Date or Time format.
IMPORTANT DETAIL
If you don't want Excel to display a negative
because you haven't entered your birthday
use an IF function like this: =IF(D7="","",D7
says, "IF D7 equals nothing, then show noth
show D7 minus D6".

Static Date & Time
Date: 09/27/17
Time: 8:52 AM
GOOD TO KNOW
You can use keyboard shortcuts to enter Dates and
Times that won't continuously change:
Date - Ctrl+;
Time - Ctrl+Shift+:

e their pay and overtime.
-(Lunch In - Lunch Out))*24.
e number,
y yet, you can
7-D6), which
hing, otherwise

Joining text from
There are many
In cell E3, enter
SmithNancy doe
To create the fu
Dive down for m
Next
Using text and n
Now we'll use th
In cell C36, ente
In cell C37, ente
CHECK THIS OUT
WORTH EXPLOR
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All about the TE
Combine text an
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er =C29&" "&TEXT(D29,"HH:MM AM/PM"). HH:MM AM/PM is the US format code for Hours:Minutes AM
TFormulas, especially big ones, can sometimes be hard to read, but you can break up their parts with spa
RINGIf you don't don't know what format code to use, you can use Ctrl+1 > Number to format any cell the
ing text and numbers together
we'll use the & to join text and numbers, not just text and text
at cells C28:D29. See how the date and times are in separate cells? You can join them
ther with the & symbol like you'll see in cells C32:C33, but that doesn't look right, does
nfortunately, Excel doesn't know how you want to format the numbers, so it breaks
m down to their basest format, which is the the Serial date in this case. We need to
city tell Excel how to format the number portion of the formula, so it displays the way
want in the resulting text string. You can do that with the TEXT function and a format
.
In cell C36, enter =C28&" "&TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY"). MM/DD/YYYY is the
US format code for Month/Day/Year, like 09/25/2017.
In cell C37, enter =C29&" "&TEXT(D29,"HH:MM AM/PM"). HH:MM AM/PM is
the US format code for Hours:Minutes AM or PM, like 1:30 PM.
ning text from different cells
e are many times in Excel when you want to join text that's in different cells. This
mple is very common, where you have first and last names, and want to combine them
st name, last name, or full name. Fortunately, Excel lets us do that with the Ampersand
ign, which you can enter with Shift+7.
In cell E3, enter =D3&C3 to join the last and first names.
SmithNancy doesn't look quite right though. We need to add a comma and a
space. To do that we'll use quotes to create a new text string. This time, enter
=D3&", "&C3. The &", "& portion lets us join a comma and space with the text
in the cells.
To create the full name, we'll join first and last name, but use a space without a
comma. In F3, enter =C3&" "&D3.
Dive down for more detail

Previous Next
All about the TEXT function
Combine text and numbers

First Name Last Name Last Name, First Name Full Name
Nancy Smith Smith, Nancy Nancy Smith
Andy North
Jan Kotas
Mariya Jones
Steven Thorpe
Michael Neipper
Robert Zare
Yvonne McKay
M or PM, like 1:30 PM.
aces like this:=C28 & " " & TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY")
e way you want. Then select the Custom option. You can copy the format code that's displayed back to your form
Using text & numbers
Today's date: 04/21/19
Current time: 3:38 PM
Joining text & numbers
Today's date: 43576
Current time: 43576.6515831019
Formatting text & numbers
Today's date: 04/21/2019
Current time: 03:38 PM
WORTH EXPLORING
If you don't don't know what format code to use, you
C l b f ll h
CHECK THIS OUT
Formulas, especially big ones, can sometimes
be hard to read, but you can break up their
parts with spaces like this:
=C28 & " " & TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY")

can use Ctrl+1 > Number to format any cell the way
you want. Then select the Custom option. You can
copy the format code that's displayed back to your
formula.

IF statements
IF statements al
In cell D9 enter
Copy D9 to
Try another
IMPORTANT DET
Dive down for m
Next
IF statement wit
IF statements ca
In cell F33,
Next we've
Next, change
GOOD TO KNOW
EXPERT TIP
Previous
Next
More informatio
All about the IF
All about the IFS
Advanced IF sta
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llow you to make logical comparisons between conditions. An IF statement generally says that if one con
TAILTRUE and FALSE are unlike other words in Excel formulas in that they don't need to be in quotes, and
WWhen you create a formula, Excel will automatically place colored borders around any ranges reference
statements
atements allow you to make logical comparisons between conditions. An IF statement
rally says that if one condition is true do something, otherwise do something else. The
ulas can return text, values, or even more calculations.
In cell D9 enter =IF(C9="Apple",TRUE,FALSE). The correct answer is TRUE.
Copy D9 to D10. The answer here should be FALSE, because an orange is not an
apple.
Try another example by looking at the formula in cell D12. We got you started
with =IF(C12<100,"Less than 100","Greater than or equal to 100"). What
happens if you enter a number greater than or equal to
100 in cell C12?
Next
statement with another function
atements can also force additional calculations to be performed if a certain condition is
Here we're going to evaluate a cell to see if Sales Tax should be charged, and calculate
he condition is true.
In cell F33, we've entered =IF(E33="Yes",F31*SalesTax,0), where we set up
SalesTax as a Named Range with a value of 0.0825. Our formula says If cell E33
equals Yes, then multiply cell F31 times SalesTax, otherwise return a 0.
Try changing Yes to No in cell E33 to see the calculation change.
Next we've added an IF statement to calculate shipping if it's required. In cell F35
you'll see =IF(E35="Yes",SUM(D28:D29)*1.25,0). This says "If cell E35 is Yes,
then take the sum of the Quantity column in the table above, and multiply it by
1.25, otherwise return a 0".
Next, change the 1.25 in the formula in cell F35 to "Shipping". As you start

typing, Excel's auto-correct, should find it for you. When it does, press Tab to
enter it. This is a Named Range, and we entered it from Formulas > Define
Name. Now, if you ever need to change your shipping cost, you only have to do
it in one place, and you can use the Shipping name anywhere in the workbook.
All about the IF function
All about the IFS function
Advanced IF statements

dition is true do something, otherwise do something else. The formulas can return text, values, or even more ca
Excel will automatically capitalize them. Numbers don't need to be in quotes either. Regular text, like Yes or No d
IF statements
Apple
Orange
50 Less than 100
d in the formula, and the corresponding ranges in the formula will be the same color. You can see this if you selec
Item Quantity Cost Total
Widget 2 $9.76 $19.52
Doohickey 3 $3.42 $10.26
Sub-Total $13.18 $29.78
Sales Tax? Yes $2.46
Shipping? Yes $6.25
Total $38.48
IMPORTANT DETAIL
TRUE and FALSE are unlike other words in Excel formulas in
that they don't need to be in quotes, and Excel will
automatically capitalize them. Numbers don't need to be in
quotes either. Regular text, like Yes or No does need to be
in quotes like this:
=IF(C3="Apple","Yes","No")
EXPERT TIP
GOOD TO KNOW
When you create a formula
place colored borders arou
the formula, and the corres
formula will be the same co
select cell F33 and press F2

Named Ranges allow you to define terms or values in a
single place, and then reuse them throughout a
workbook. You can see all of the named ranges in this
workbook by going to Formulas > Name Manager. Click
here to learn more.

does need to be in quotes like this: =IF(C3="Apple","Yes","No")
a, Excel will automatically
und any ranges referenced in
sponding ranges in the
olor. You can see this if you
2 to edit the formula.

VLOOKUP
VLOOKUP is one
=VLOOKUP(A1,B
What do you wa
If you find it, ho
Where do you w
Do you want an
In cell D22,
Now try for
EXPERIMENTTry
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VLOOKUP and #
Invariably, you'll
If you know
If you're not
IMPORTANT DET
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All about the VL
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All about the IFE
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e of the most widely used functions in Excel (and one of our favorites too!). VLOOKUP lets you look up a v
y selecting different items from the drop down lists. You'll see the result cells instantly update themselves
l run into a situation where VLOOKUP can't find what you asked it to, and it returns an error (#N/A). Some
If the SUM function i
OOKUP
OKUP is one of the most widely used functions in Excel (and one of our favorites too!).
OKUP lets you look up a value in a column on the left, then returns information in
her column to the right if it finds a match. VLOOKUP says:
In cell D22, enter =VLOOKUP(C22,C17:D20,2,FALSE). The correct answer for
Apples is 50. VLOOKUP looked for Apples, found it, then went over one column
to the right, and returned the amount.
Now try for yourself in the Meat section, in cell G22. You should end up with
=VLOOKUP(F22,F17:G20,2,FALSE).
Next
OOKUP and #N/A
riably, you'll run into a situation where VLOOKUP can't find what you asked it to, and it
ns an error (#N/A). Sometimes, it's because the lookup value simply doesn't exist, or it
because the reference cell doesn't have a value yet.
If you know your lookup value exists, but want to hide the error if the lookup cell is
blank, you can use an IF statement. In this case, we'll wrap our existing VLOOKUP
formula like this in cell D43:
IF(C43 "" "" VLOOKUP(C43 C37 D41 2 FALSE))
=VLOOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
What do you
want to look
for?
If you find it, how many
columns to the right do you
want to get a value?
Where do you
want to look
for it?
Do you want
an exact, or
approximate
match?

All about the VLOOKUP function
All about the INDEX/MATCH functions
All about the IFERROR function
Use PivotTables to analyze worksheet data
=IF(C43="","",VLOOKUP(C43,C37:D41,2,FALSE))
This says, "If cell C43 equals nothing (""), then return nothing, otherwise return the
VLOOKUP's results". Note the second closing parenthesis at the end of the
formula. This closes the IF statement.
If you're not sure your lookup value exists, but you still want to suppress the
#N/A error, you can use an error handling function called IFERROR in cell G43:
=IFERROR(VLOOKUP(F43,F37:G41,2,FALSE),""). IFERROR says, "If the
VLOOKUP returns a valid result, then display that, otherwise, display nothing
("")". We displayed nothing here (""), but you can also use numbers (0,1, 2, etc.),
or text, such as "Formula isn't correct".

value in a column on the left, then returns information in another column to the right if it finds a match.
s with new values.
etimes, it's because the lookup value simply doesn't exist, or it can because the reference cell doesn't ha
Apples 50 Beef 50
Bananas 60 Pork 10
Lemons 40 Fish 50
Apples Pork
in cell D42 could talk, it would say this: Sum up the values in cells D38, D39, D40, and D41.
Bread 50 Bread 50
Cakes 50 Cakes 50
Pies 20 Pies 20
#N/A Pastry
EXPERIMENT
Try selecting different items from the drop down lists. You'll see
the result cells instantly update themselves with new values.

IMPORTANT DETAIL
IFERROR is what's known as a blanket error handler, meaning it
will suppress any error your formula might throw. This can
cause problems if Excel is giving you a notification that your
formula has a legitimate error that needs to be fixed.
A rule of thumb is to not add error handlers to your formulas
until you're absolutely certain they work properly.
X8A1T

Conditional func
Conditional func
SUMIF lets you s
=SUMIF(C3:C14,
What range do y
What value (tex
For each match
SUMIFS is the sa
=SUMIFS(H3:H1
What range do y
This is the first r
This is the criter
This is the
This is the criter
EXPERT TIP
Dive down for m
Next step
Conditional func
COUNTIF and CO
Select cell D64 a
=COUNTIF(C50:C
What range do y
What value (tex
COUNTIFS is
=COUNTIFS(F50
This is the first r
This is the criter
This is the secon
This is criteria fo
Dive down for m
Next
More conditiona
You've already
Dive down for m
Next
SUMIF with a va
Here's an examp
200
Sum up some va
....Look through
...and if the valu
NOTE: If you fin
More informatio
All about the SU
Co
Cond
on a
many
1
2
=SUM
X9A0T

All about the SU
All about the CO
All about the CO
All about the AV
All about the AV
All about the M
All about the MA
Create a drop-d
Free Excel traini
Back to top
Next
Mo
Co
COUN
They'
range
1
2
=C
X9A1T

Mo
SU
Here'
than
NOTE
PivotT
=SU
Sum
value
on th
crite
You'v
own w
struct
funct
E106,
SUM
SUM
AVER
AVER
COUN
COUN
MAX
MINI
X9A2T

OUNTIFS let you count values in a range based on a criteria you specify. They're a bit different from the o
d you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a PivotTable is a better solution. See t
nditional functions - SUMIF
ditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of a range based
given condition, or criteria you specify. Such as, out of all the fruits in the list, how
y are apples? Or, how many oranges are the Florida type?
SUMIF lets you sum in one range based on a specifc criteria you look for in
another range, like how many Apples you have. Select cell D17 and type
=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D14). SUMIF is structured like this:
Next
SUMIFS is the same as SUMIF, but it lets you use multiple criteria. So in this
example, you can look for Fruit and Type, instead of just by Fruit. Select cell H17
and type =SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17). SUMIFS is structured like
this:
=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D4)
What range do you
want to look at?
For each match found, what
range do you want to sum?
What value (text or number)
do you want to look for?
MIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)
What range
do you want
to sum?
This is the
criteria for the
first match
This is the
criteria for the
second match
This is the first
range to look
in for matches
This is the
second range
to look in for
matches

ore conditional functions
nditional functions - COUNTIF
NTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in a range based on a criteria you specify.
're a bit different from the other IF and IFS functions, in that they only have a criteria
e, and criteria. They don't evalute one range, then look in another to summarize.
Select cell D64 and type =COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64). COUNTIF is structured like
this:
Next
COUNTIFS is the same as SUMIF, but it lets you use multiple criteria. So in this
example, you can look for Fruit and Type, instead of just by Fruit. Select cell H64
and type =COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64). COUNTIFS is structured like
this:
=COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64)
What range do you
want to look at?
What value (text or number)
do you want to look for?
COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)
This is the first
range to count
This is the second
range to count
This is the criteria
for the first match
This is criteria for
the second match

All about the SUMIFS function
MIF with a value argument
's an example of the SUMIF function using greater than (>) to find all values greater
a given amount:
E: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a
tTable is a better solution. See this PivotTable article for more information.
UMIF(D118:D122,">=50")
up some
es based
his
erion:
....Look through
these cells...
...and if the
value is greater
than 50, sum it
up.
ve already seen SUMIF, SUMIFS, COUNTIF, and COUNTIFS. Now you can try on your
with the other functions, such as AVERAGEIF/S, MAXIFS, MINIFS. They're all
tured the same way, so once you get one formula written, you can just replace the
tion name with the one you want. We've written all the functions you'll need for cell
, so you can copy/paste these, or try to type them yourself for practice.
MIF =SUMIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
MIFS =SUMIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
RAGEIF =AVERAGEIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
RAGEIFS =AVERAGEIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D92,D106)
NTIF =COUNTIF(C92:C103,C106)
NTIFS =COUNTIFS(C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
XIFS =MAXIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
IFS =MINIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)

Back to top Next step
All about the MAXIFS function
All about the AVERAGEIFS function
All about the AVERAGEIF function
All about the MINIFS function
All about the COUNTIFS function
All about the SUMIFS function
All about the COUNTIF function
Create a drop-down list

Fruit Amount Fruit Type Amount
Apples 50 Apples Fuji 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Florida 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Rough 40
Apples 50 Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Navel 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Lady Finger 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Eureka 40
Fruit SUMIF Fruit Type SUMIFS
Apples Oranges Florida
other IF and IFS functions, in that they only have a criteria range, and criteria. They don't evalute one range, then l
this PivotTable article for more information.
EXPERT TIP
Each one of the Fruit and Type
drop-down list where you can
different fruits. Try it, and wat
formulas automatically update

Fruit Amount Fruit Type Amount
Apples 50 Apples Fuji 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Florida 20
Lemons 40 Lemons Rough 40
Bananas 60 Bananas Lady Finger 60
Fruit COUNTIF Fruit Type COUNTIFS
Apples 3 Oranges Florida 1

Fruit Type Amount
Apples Fuji 50
Oranges Florida 20
Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons Rough 40
Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges Navel 20
Bananas Lady Finger 60
Lemons Eureka 40
Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges Navel 20
Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons Eureka 40
Fruit Type Try it
Lemons Eureka 80
Item Amount
Bread 50
Donuts 100
Cookies 40
Cakes 50
Pies 20
200

e cells has a
n select
tch the
e.

GOOD TO KNOW
Double-click this cell and you'll see that the formula is
different. Specifically, the sum criteria is ">=50" which
means greater than or equal to 50. There are other
operators you can use like "<=50" which is less than or
equal to 50. And there's "<>50" which is not equals
50.

Let the Function
If you know the
Select cell D10,
Next, enter the
CHECK THIS
GOOD TO KNOW
GOOD TO
Previous
Next
More informatio
Overview of form
Excel functions (
Excel functions (
Free Excel traini
Mo
Let
If you
can u
1
2
X10A0T

name of the function you want, but you're not sure how to build it, you can use the Function Wizard to h
Overview of formulas in Excel
Excel functions (by category)
t the Function Wizard guide you
u know the name of the function you want, but you're not sure how to build it, you
se the Function Wizard to help you out.
Select cell D10, then go to Formulas > Insert Function > type VLOOKUP in
the Search for a function box, and press GO. When you see VLOOKUP
highlighted, click OK at the bottom. When you select a function in the list,
Excel will display its syntax.
Next, enter the function arguments in their respective text boxes. As you enter
each one, Excel will evaluate it, and show you its result, with the final result at
the bottom. Press OK when you're done, and Excel will enter the formula for
you.

help you out.
Fruit Amount
Apples 50
Oranges 20
Bananas 60
Lemons 40
Apples 50
CHECK THIS OUT
You should end up with
=VLOOKUP(C10,C5:D8,2,FALSE)
GOOD TO KNOW
You can type cell and range references, or select them
with your mouse.
GOOD TO KNOW
As you enter each argument's section, the argument's
description will be displayed toward the bottom of the form,
above the Formula result.

Fixing formula e
At some point in
Error checking -
If you click Help
Each time you cl
EXPERIMENTWh
GOOD TO
Previous
Next
More informatio
Detect errors in
How to avoid br
Evaluate a neste
Free Excel traini
Fixi
At som
with #
worki
can h
1
2
3
X11A0T

n time, you'll run across a formula that has an error, which Excel will display with #ErrorName. Errors can b
ing formula errors
me point in time, you'll run across a formula that has an error, which Excel will display
#ErrorName. Errors can be helpful, because they point out when something's not
ing right, but they can be challenging to fix. Fortunately, there are several options that
help you track down the source of the error, and fix it.
Error checking - Go to Formulas > Error Checking. This will load a dialog that
will tell you the general cause for your specific error. In cell D9, the #N/A error is
caused because there is no value matching "Apple". You can fix this by using a
value that does exist, suppress the error with IFERROR, or ignore it and know it
will go away when you do use a value that exists.
1
If you click Help on this Error, a help topic specific to the error message will
open. If you click Show Calculation Steps, an Evaluate Formula dialog will load.
2
Each time you click Evaluate, Excel will step through the formula one section at a
time. It won't necessarily tell you why an error occurs, but it will point out where.
3

y y y p
From there, look at the help topic to deduce what went wrong with your formula.
Detect errors in formulas
How to avoid broken formulas
Evaluate a nested formula one step at a time

be helpful, because they point out when something's not working right, but they can be challenging to f
Fruit Amount
Apples 50
Oranges 20
Bananas 60
Lemons 40
Apple #N/A
Fruit Amount
Apples 50
Oranges 20
Bananas 60
Lemons 40
Total #NAME?
EXPERIMENT
What's wrong here? Hint: We're trying to SUM
up all the items.
GOOD TO KNOW
Clicking Options will let you set the
rules for when errors in Excel are
displayed or ignored.

fix. Fortunately, there are several options that can help you track down the source of the error, and fix it

More ques
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