How to Use Basic Excel Formulas

Excel Formula Basics

Formulas let Excel do calculations for you. They always start with an equals sign (=).

The Most Useful Formulas

SUM - Add Numbers Together

Adds up a range of cells:

Example: Add cells A1 through A10 ``` =SUM(A1:A10) ```

To use:

• Click the cell where you want the result
• Type =SUM(
• Select the cells to add
• Type ) and press Enter

AVERAGE - Find the Average

Calculates the average (mean) of numbers:

Example: Average of B1 through B20 ``` =AVERAGE(B1:B20) ```

COUNT - Count How Many Numbers

Counts cells that contain numbers:

Example: Count numbers in column C ``` =COUNT(C1:C100) ```

COUNTA - Count Non-Empty Cells

Counts cells that aren't empty (text or numbers):

Example: Count filled cells in column D ``` =COUNTA(D1:D50) ```

MAX - Find the Largest Number

Returns the highest value:

Example: Highest value in E1 to E30 ``` =MAX(E1:E30) ```

MIN - Find the Smallest Number

Returns the lowest value:

Example: Lowest value in F1 to F30 ``` =MIN(F1:F30) ```

How to Enter Formulas

Method 1: Type It

• Click the cell where you want the result
• Type the formula (e.g., =SUM(A1:A10))
• Press Enter

Method 2: Use the Button

• Click the cell where you want the result
• Click Formulas tab
• Click AutoSum or choose a function
• Select your range
• Press Enter

Method 3: Click and Drag

• Type =SUM( in a cell
• Click and drag to select the range
• Type ) and press Enter

Understanding Cell References

A1:A10 means cells A1 through A10

B2:D2 means cells B2, C2, and D2

A1:C5 means a block from A1 to C5

Common Mistakes

Forgetting the equals sign:

• Wrong: SUM(A1:A10)
• Right: =SUM(A1:A10)

Typing numbers instead of cell references:

• This works but won't update: =5+10
• Better: =A1+A2 (uses cell values)

Parentheses not matching:

• Wrong: =SUM(A1:A10
• Right: =SUM(A1:A10)

Tips

• Formulas update automatically when source cells change
• Copy formulas down a column by dragging the cell corner
• Click on a formula cell to see which cells it references

Need Help?

For Excel help, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.