Formulae Tutorials
Formulae Tutorials
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.
Let's go >
Go back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To start the tour, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
=A1+B1,
constants
aren't a good
practice. Why?
Because you
can't easily see
the constant
without
selecting the
cell
You Basics: doing math with Excel
anddoing math with Excel
Basics:
can for
looking Add,it. Subtract, Multiply, and Divide in Excel without using any built-in functions. You just need to use some basic opera
To Add,
That canselect
makecell F3, type =C3+C4, then press Enter.
it hard to
change
To You
later. can cell
Add,F4,Subtract, Multiply, and Divide in Excel without using any built-in
To Subtract,
It'sMultiply, select
select
much functions. cell F5, type =C3*C4,
type =C3-C4, then
then press
press Enter.
Enter.
You just need to use some basic operators: +, -, *, /. All formulas start
easier to put
To Divide, select cell F6, type =C3/C4, then press Enter.
your constantswith an equals (=) sign.
in cells,this
Check whereout: change the numbers in cells C3 and C4, and watch the formula results automatically change.
they can be
EXTRA CREDIT:
easily 1 You can raise a value to a power by using the carat (^) symbol, like =A1^A2. Enter it with Shift+6. In cell F7, ente
adjusted,
Dive downand for more detail
referenced
Next step in
your formulas.
More
Excel isabout 2up of individual
madeformulas, cells, and ranges
cells that are grouped into rows and columns. Rows are numbered, and columns are lettered. Th
For example:
Select the
You'll notice
yellow cell that in our third example above, we used the SUM function. A function is a pre-built command that takes a value o
with 12 below.
Formulas with 3 functions start with an equals sign, then the function name follows with its arguments (the values a function use
You'll see we
used the SUM
function with a
Some
range formula
of cells. 4 explanations
We didn't
=10*20 is atype
formula, where 10 and 20 are constants, and the * sign is the operator.
in "4" or "8" is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formula argum
=SUM(A1:A10)
directly into
=SUM(A1:A10,C1:C10)
the formula. is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formul
Dive down for more detail
Previous
Next
More information on the web
More about formulas, cells, and ranges
Use Excel as a calculator
Overview of formulas in Excel
Excel is made up of individual cells that are grouped into rows and columns. Rows
Excel functions (by category)
are numbered, and columns are lettered. There are over 1 million rows and 16,000
columns,
Excel functions and you can put formulas in any of them.
(alphabetical)
Free ExcelFormulas
training online
can contain cell references, ranges of cell references, operators, and
constants. The following are all examples of formulas:
=A1+B1
=10*20
=SUM(A1:A10)
You'll notice that in our third example above, we used the SUM function. A function is
a pre-built command that takes a value or values, calculates them in a certain way,
and returns a result. For instance, the SUM function takes the cell references or
ranges you specify, and totals them. In this example it takes the cells A1 through A10,
and totals them. Excel has over 400 functions, which you can explore on the
Formulas tab.
Formulas with functions start with an equals sign, then the function name follows
with its arguments (the values a function uses to calculate) wrapped in parentheses.
Formulas with functions start with an equals sign, then the function name follows
with its arguments (the values a function uses to calculate) wrapped in parentheses.
You confirm a formula by pressing Enter. Once you do that the formula will calculate,
and the result will be displayed in the cell. To see the formula itself, you can look at
the formula bar beneath the Ribbon, or press F2 to enter Edit mode, where you'll see
the formula in the cell. Press Enter again to finalize the formula and calculate the
result.
Previous
You
ubtract, can cell
select Add,F4,Subtract, Multiply,
type =C3*C4,
=C3-C4, then and Divide in Excel without using any built-in
Multiply, select cell F5, type then press
press Enter.
Enter.
functions. You just need to use some basic operators: +, -, *, /. All formulas start
Divide, select cell F6, type =C3/C4, then press Enter.
with an equals (=) sign.
ck this out: change the numbers in cells C3 and C4, and watch the formula results automatically change.
RA CREDIT:1 YouTocanAdd,
raiseselect
a valuecell
to aF3, typeby
power =C3+C4,
using thethen
caratpress Enter.like =A1^A2. Enter it with Shift+6. In cell F7, enter =C3^C4.
(^) symbol,
e down for more detail CHECK THIS OU
Change the numbers
watch the formula re
re isabout
el 2up ofTo
madeformulas, Subtract,
cells, and
individual select
ranges
cells cellgrouped
that are F4, typeinto
=C3-C4 , then
rows and press Enter.
columns. Rows are numbered, and columns are lettered. There are over
automatically 1m
change
'll notice that in our third example above, we used the SUM function. A function is a pre-built command that takes a value or values, calcul
mulas with3 functions
To Multiply,
start withselect cell F5,
an equals type
sign, =C3*C4,
then thenname
the function pressfollows
Enter.with its arguments (the values a function uses to calculate) w
me formula 4 explanations
To Divide, select cell F6, type =C3/C4, then press Enter.
*20 is a formula, where 10 and 20 are constants, and the * sign is the operator.
M(A1:A10) is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formula arguments, and A1:A1
M(A1:A10,C1:C10) is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formula arguments, an
Dive down for more detail Next step
You confirm a formula by pressing Enter. Once you do that the formula will calculate,
and the result will be displayed in the cell. To see the formula itself, you can look at
the formula bar beneath the Ribbon, or press F2 to enter Edit mode, where you'll see
the formula in the cell. Press Enter again to finalize the formula and calculate the Function
result.
Previous Next
=SUM(A1
More information on the web Opening pare
d that takes a value or values, calculates them in a certain way, and returns a result. For instance, the SUM function takes the cell reference
values a function uses to calculate) wrapped in parentheses.
n the formula arguments, and A1:A10 is the cell range for the function.
s contain the formula arguments, and A1:A10,C1:C10 are the cell ranges for the function separated by a comma.
GOOD TO KNOW
Operator Operator Constants are values that you enter in cells or f
While =10+20 might calculate the same as =A1
Function Argument
=SUM(A1:A10) Values
4
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.
A range of cells has a starting cell, colon, and an
ending cell. When you select a range of cells for a 8
formula, Excel will automatically add the colon. 12
=SUM(A1:A10,C1:C10)
A range of cells Another range of cells
W
hat you enter in cells or formulas.
alculate the same as =A1+B1,
d practice. Why? Because you can't
t without selecting the cell and
make it hard to change later. It's
ur constants in cells, where they can
d referenced in your formulas.
When you start typing a function name after you press =, Excel will launch Intellisense,
which will list all of the functions starting with the letters you type. When you find the
one you want, press Tab, and Excel will automatically finish the function name and enter
the opening parenthesis for you. It will also display the optional and required
arguments.
Now let's look at the anatomy of a few functions. The SUM function is structured like
this:
If the SUM function could talk, it would say, "Return the sum of all the values in cells
D38 to D41, and all of column H".
Back to top
When you start typing a function name after you press =, Excel will launch Intellisense,
which will list all of the functions starting with the letters you type. When you find the
one you want, press Tab, and Excel will automatically finish the function name and enter
the opening parenthesis for you. It will also display the optional and required
arguments.
Now let's look at the anatomy of a few functions. The SUM function is structured like
this:
=SUM(D38:D41,H:H)
If the SUM function could talk, it would say, "Return the sum of all the values in cells
D38 to D41, and all of column H".
=TODAY()
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.
Fruit Amount
Apples 50 CHECK THIS OUT
Select these cells. Then in the lower-right
Oranges 20 corner of the Excel window, look for this:
Bananas 60
Lemons 40
That's called the Status Bar, and it's just
SUM > 170 another way to quickly find a total and
other details about a selected cell or
range.
Item Amount
Cars 20
Trucks 10
Bikes 10
Skates 40
Total:
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 D16. That way it's easily
seen and not hidden inside a formula.
EXTRA CREDIT
Try using
CHECK THIS
MEDIAN or
OUT
MODE here.
AVERAGE function
AVERAGE
Select any
function
range
MEDIAN of gives
Use the AVERAGE
numbers, then function to get the average of numbers in a range of cells.
you the value
Select
look
in Use
cell the AVERAGE function
the D7, then use AutoSum
theinmiddle to to
addget
anthe average function.
AVERAGE of numbers in a range of cells.
Status
of
Now Bar for
theselect
data set,
cell G7, and enter an AVERAGE function by typing =AVERAGE(G3:G6).
an instant
while
In
Average.
MODE D15,1
cell gives you can use either AutoSum, or type to enter another AVERAGE function.
the one that
occurs
Activatethe
the previous sheet
most
Go to the
frequently. 2sheet
next
EXTRA CREDIT
Try using MEDIAN or MODE here.
Previous
1 Select cell D7, then use the AutoSum Wizard to add a MIN function.
3 In cell D15, you can use either the AutoSum Wizard, or type to enter a MIN
or MAX function.
Previous Next
GOOD TO KNOW
You can use either MIN or MAX with multiple
IN(A1:A10,B1:B10), or =MAX(A1:A10,10).
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.
display a
negative
number
because you
haven't
entered your
birthday yet,
you can use an
IF function like
this:
Date functions
Date functions
=IF(D7="","",D
Excel can give you the current date, based on your computer's regional settings. You can also add and subtract Dates.
7-D6), which
says,
Check"IF D7the TODAY function, which gives you Today's date. These are live, or volatile functions, so when you open your work
out
equals Excel can give you the current date, based on your computer's regional settings. You
Subtract Dates - Enter
can also
nothing, then addyour
andnext birthday
subtract in MM/DD/YY format in cell D7, and watch Excel tell you how many days away it is by
Dates.
Add Dates
show nothing,
- 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
otherwise
GOOD
show
Excel
TO KNOW
D7 1
minus D6". dates and times based on the number of days starting from January 1, 1900. Times are kept in fractional portions o
keeps
Time
Excel functions
can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You can also add and subtract times. For instan
2
In cell D25, enter =NOW(), which will give the current time, and will update each time Excel calculates. If you need to change th
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 Tim
Previous 3
Next
More information on the web
All about the TODAY function
All about the NOW function
All about the DATE function
Free Excel training online
Time functions
Excel can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You
can also add and subtract times. For instance, you might need to keep track of how
many hours an employee worked each week, and calculate their pay and overtime.
3
Previous
is 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 multip
3 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,
re information on theenter
web a random number of days. In cell D11, we added =D6+D10 to
about the TODAY calculate
functionthe due date from today.
about the NOW function
about the DATE function
e Excel training online
Time functions
Excel can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You
can also add and subtract times. For instance, you might need to keep track of how
many hours an employee worked each week, and calculate their pay and overtime.
1 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.
3 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
fraction of a day to
hours
*24 to convert Excel's
fraction of a day to
Time Out Lunch Out hours
=((D35-D32)-(D34-D33))*24
Time In Lunch In
GOOD TO KNOW
You can use keyboard sh
The inner parentheses () make sure Excel calculates those and Times that won't co
parts of the formula by themselves. The outer
parentheses make sure Excel multiplies the final inner result by Date -
24. Time - Ct
Previous Next
Date functions
Today's date:
Your birthday:
Days until your IMPORTANT DETAIL
ract times. For instance, youbirthday: 0 many hours
might need to keep track of how If an
youemployee worked
don't want each
Excel to week,
display and calculate
a negative their pay and ove
number,
because you haven't entered your birthday yet, you
Grace period days: can use an IF function like this: =IF(D7="","",D7-D6),
Bill due on: 12/30/99 which says, "IF D7 equals nothing, then show nothing,
otherwise show D7 minus D6".
he 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 O
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.
Time functions
Current Time:
GOOD TO KNOW
You can use keyboard shortcuts to enter Dates
and Times that won't continuously change:
Date - Ctl+;
Time - Ctrl+Shift+:
d calculate
gative their pay and overtime.
number,
hday yet, you
="","",D7-D6),
n show nothing,
me Out)-(Lunch In - Lunch Out))*24.
Joining
There are Joining text from different cells
text fromtimes
many different cellswhen you want to join text that's in different cells. This example is very common, where you hav
in Excel
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
There are many times in Excel when you want to join text that's in different cells. This
To create the full name, we'll join first and last name, but use a space without a comma. In F3, enter =C3&" "&D3.
example is very common, where you have first and last names, and want to combine
Dive downthem as first
for more name, last name, or full name. Fortunately, Excel lets us do that with the
detail
Next Ampersand (&) sign, which you can enter with Shift+7.
Using text and numbers together
Look
In cellatC36, 1C28:D29.
cellsenter See"&TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY").
=C28&" how the date and times are inMM/DD/YYYY
separate cells?isYou
thecan join them
US format together
code with the & symbol
for Month/Day/Year, like you
like 09/25/2
=C28
WORTH " &2
& "EXPLORING
TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY")
If you don't don't know what format code to use, you can use Ctrl+1 > Number to format any cell the way you want. Then sele
More information on the web
All about the TEXT function
Combine text and numbers
3 online
Free Excel training
Look at cells C28:D29. See how the date and times are in separate cells? You can join
them together with the & symbol like you'll see in cells C32:C33, but that doesn't look
right, does it? Unfortunately, Excel doesn't know how you want to format the
numbers, so it breaks them down to their basest format, which is the the Serial date
in this case. We need to explicity tell Excel how to format the number portion of the
formula, so it displays the way you want in the resulting text string. You can do that
with the TEXT function and a format code.
2
Previous
" &2
SmithNancy doesn't look quite right though. We need to add a comma and
8 & "EXPLORING
RTH TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY")
a space. To do that we'll use quotes to create a new text string. This time,
ou don't don't know what format code to use, you can use Ctrl+1 > Number to format any cell the way you want. Then select the Custom o
enter
the =D3&", "&C3. The &", "& portion lets us join a comma and space
re information on web
with
about the TEXT functionthe text in the cells.
mbine text and numbers
3 To
e Excel training create the full name, we'll join first and last name, but use a space
online
without a comma. In F3, enter =C3&" "&D3.
Look at cells C28:D29. See how the date and times are in separate cells? You can join
them together with the & symbol like you'll see in cells C32:C33, but that doesn't look
right, does it? Unfortunately, Excel doesn't know how you want to format the
numbers, so it breaks them down to their basest format, which is the the Serial date
in this case. We need to explicity tell Excel how to format the number portion of the
formula, so it displays the way you want in the resulting text string. You can do that
with the TEXT function and a format code.
you want. Then select the Custom option. You can copy the format code that's displayed back to your formula.
WORTH EXPLORING
If you don't don't know what format code to use, you
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.
WORTH EXPLORING
If you don't don't know what format code to use, you
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.
"Shipping".
In cell F33,
example by As
you
we've
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formula in cell
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otherwise
sum of the something
=IF(C3="Apple","Yes","No")
throughout a else. The formulas can return text, values, or even more calculations.
shipping
return a 0. cost,
Quantity
workbook.
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Shipping
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otherwise
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change.
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Name 2
Manager. Click
GOOD
here toTO learn KNOW
When
more. you create a formula, Excel will automatically place colored borders around any ranges referenced in the formula, and th
3
Previous
Next
More information on the web
All about the IF function
All about the IFS function
Dive down for more detail
Advanced IF statements
Free Excel training online
3
3
Previous
atements1
atement with In cell D9 enter =IF(C9="Apple",TRUE,FALSE). The correct answer is TRUE.
can another
also forcefunction
additional calculations to be performed if a certain condition is met. Here we're going to evaluate a cell to see if Sa
3 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
3 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.
Previous Next
Advanced IF statements
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 th
IF statements
Apple
Orange
n the formula, and the corresponding ranges in the formula will be the same color. You can see this if you select cell F33 and press F2 to ed
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
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.
EXPERT TIP
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.
even more calculations.
A rule of thumb is to not add error handlers to your formulas until you're absolutely certain they work properly.
Previous
Next
More information on the web
All about the VLOOKUP function
1
All about the INDEX/MATCH functions
All about the IFERROR function
Use PivotTables to analyze worksheet data
2 online
Free Excel training
1
2
Previous
OOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
VLOOKUP
at do you want to is
lookone of the most widely used functions in Excel (and one of our favorites
for?
ou find it, how many columnsyou
too!). VLOOKUP lets look
to the updo
right a value in atocolumn
you want on the left, then returns
get a value?
ere doinformation in another
you want to look for it? column to the right if it finds a match. VLOOKUP says:
you want an exact, or approximate match?
What do you If you find it, how many
want to look columns to the right do
ERIMENT for? you want to get a value?
selecting different items from the drop down lists. You'll see the result cells instantly update themselves with new values.
e down for more detail
OKUP and
ariably, =VLOOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
#N/A
you'll run into a situation where VLOOKUP can't find what you asked it to, and it returns an error (#N/A). Sometimes, it's because th
ORTANT DETAIL
RROR is what's known as a blanket error handler, meaning it will suppress any error your formula might throw. This can cause problems if E
Where do Do you want
you want to an exact,
ule of thumb is to not add error handlers to your formulas until you're or
absolutely certain they work properly.
look for it? approximate
match?
1 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))
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))
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.
2 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".
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r (#N/A). Sometimes, it's because the lookup value simply doesn't exist, or it can because the reference cell doesn't have a value yet.
Apples Pork
EXPERIMENT
Try selecting different items from the drop down lists. You'll
see the result cells instantly update themselves with new
values.
M function in cell D42 could talk, it would say this: Sum up the values in cells D38, D39, D40, and D41.
Item Amount Item Amount
Bread 50 Bread 50
Donuts 100 Donuts 100
Cookies 40 Cookies 40
Cakes 50 Cakes 50
Pies 20 Pies 20
#N/A Pastry
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.
=COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)
You've already
This is the first seen
rangeSUMIF,
to countSUMIFS, COUNTIF, and COUNTIFS. Now you can try on your own with the other functions, such as A
This is the=SUMIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
SUMIF criteria for the first match
SUMIFS
This is the=SUMIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
second range to count
AVERAGEIF =AVERAGEIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
This is criteria=AVERAGEIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D92,D106)
AVERAGEIFS for the second match
Dive down for=COUNTIF(C92:C103,C106)
COUNTIF more detail
COUNTIFS
Next =COUNTIFS(C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MAXIFS =MAXIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C10,D92:D103,D106)
More
MINIFSconditional functions
=MINIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
=SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)
Dive down for more detail
Next
SUMIF with a value argument
Here's an example of the SUMIF function using greater than (>) to find all values greater than a given amount:
=SUMIF(D118:D122,">50")
Sum up through
....Look some values
thesebased
cells...on this criterion:
...and if the value is greater than 50, sum it up.
NOTE: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a PivotTable is a better solution. See this Piv
Dive down for more detail
More information on thedown
Dive web for more detail
All about the SUMIF function
All about the SUMIFS function
All about the COUNTIF function
All about the COUNTIFS function
Conditional functions - COUNTIF
All about the AVERAGEIF function
All about the AVERAGEIFS function
All about the MINIFS function
COUNTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in a range based on a criteria you
All about the MAXIFS function
specify. They're a bit different from the other IF and IFS functions, in that they only
Create a drop-down list
have a criteria range, and criteria. They don't evalute one range, then look in another
Free Excel training online
to summarize.
Back to top
Next
1
=COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)
SUMIF =SUMIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
SUMIFS =SUMIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
AVERAGEIF =AVERAGEIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
AVERAGEIFS =AVERAGEIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D92,D106)
COUNTIF =COUNTIF(C92:C103,C106)
COUNTIFS =COUNTIFS(C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MAXIFS =MAXIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C10,D92:D103,D106)
MINIFS =MINIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
Sum up some
values based
on this
criterion:
=SUMIF(D118:D122,">50")
NOTE: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a
PivotTable is a better solution. See this PivotTable article for more information.
=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D4)
e down for more detail
TE: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a PivotTable is a better solution. See this PivotTable article f
Dive down for more detail Next
re information on thedown
Dive web for more detail Next
about the SUMIF function
about the SUMIFS function
about the COUNTIF function
about the COUNTIFS function
Conditional functions - COUNTIF
about the AVERAGEIF function
about the AVERAGEIFS function
about the MINIFS function
COUNTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in a range based on a criteria you
about the MAXIFS function
specify. They're a bit different from the other IF and IFS functions, in that they only
ate a drop-down list
have a criteria range, and criteria. They don't evalute one range, then look in another
e Excel training online
to summarize.
=COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64)
2 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 H17 and type =COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64). COUNTIFS is
structured like this:
This is the first This is the second
range to count range to count
=COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)
SUMIF =SUMIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
SUMIFS =SUMIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
AVERAGEIF =AVERAGEIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
AVERAGEIFS =AVERAGEIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D92,D106)
COUNTIF =COUNTIF(C92:C103,C106)
COUNTIFS =COUNTIFS(C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MAXIFS =MAXIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C10,D92:D103,D106)
MINIFS =MINIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
=SUMIF(D118:D122,">50")
NOTE: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a
PivotTable is a better solution. See this PivotTable article for more information.
All about the COUNTIF function All about the COUNTIFS function
All about the AVERAGEIF function All about the AVERAGEIFS function
All about the MINIFS function All about the MAXIFS function
ent from the other IF and IFS functions, in that they only have a criteria range, and criteria. They don't evalute
EXPERT TIPone range, then look in anoth
Each one of the Fruit and Type cells has
a drop-down list where you can select
different fruits. Try it, and watch the
formulas automatically update.
uit and Type, instead of just by Fruit. Select cell H17 and type =COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64). COUNTIFS is structured like this:
r functions, such as AVERAGEIF/S, MAXIFS, MINIFS. They're all structured the same way, so once you get one formula written, you can just
Item Amount
Bread 50
Donuts 100
Cookies 40
Cakes 50
Pies 20
200
one range, then look in another to summarize.
ruit and Type cells has
where you can select
y it, and watch the
tically update.
FS is structured like this:
ormula written, you can just replace the function name with the one you want. We've written all the functions you'll need for cell E106, so
ns you'll need for cell E106, so you can copy/paste these, or try to type them yourself for practice.
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.
you enter each
asection,
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and
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press
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bottom
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Press
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when you're
each When
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and a
argument's
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Excel
section,will inenter
the the
CHECK THIS
Let the Function Wizard guide you
list,
Let Excel
the will
Function Wizard
the
OUTyouformula
argument's
If
display know for name
the
its will ofguide you you want, but you're not sure how to build it, you can use the Function Wizard to help yo
the function
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description
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syntax.
be
up displayed
with
toward the
=VLOOKUP(C1
bottom ofIfthe
0,C5:D8,2,FALS you know the name of the function you want, but you're not sure how to build it,
form, above
E)
GOOD TO you
the Formula KNOW can use the Function Wizard to help you out.
You
result.can type cell and range references, or select them with your mouse.
1
Previous
Next
More information on the web
Overview of formulas in Excel
2 (by category)
Excel functions
Excel functions (alphabetical)
Free Excel training online
Previous
If you know the name of the function you want, but you're not sure how to build it,
OD TO you
KNOWcan use the Function Wizard to help you out.
can type cell and range references, or select them with your mouse.
1 Select cell D16, 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.
e information on the web
rview of formulas in Excel
2 (by Next,
el functions enter the function arguments in their respective text boxes. As you
category)
enter each one, Excel will evaluate it, and show you its result, with the final
el functions (alphabetical)
Excel training result
online at the bottom. Press OK when you're done, and Excel will enter the
formula for you.
GOOD TO KNOW
As you enter each argum
description will be displ
above the Formula resu
Previous Next
Fruit Amount
Apples 50
Oranges 20
Bananas 60
Lemons 40
Apples
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.
GOOD TO
KNOW
Fixing
At some
Clicking Fixing formula errors
formula
point inerrors
time, you'll run across a formula that has an error, which Excel will display with #ErrorName. Errors can be hel
Error checking
Options will let- Go to Formulas > Error Checking. This will load a dialog that will tell you the general cause for your specific erro
you setclick
If you theHelp on this Error, a help topic specific to the error message will open. If you click Show Calculation Steps, an Evalua
rules At
yousome
for when
Each time point in time,
click Evaluate, Excel you'll run
will step acrossthe
through a formula
formula that has an at
one section error, which
a time. Excelnecessarily
It won't will tell you why an erro
errors in Excel
display with #ErrorName. Errors can be helpful, because they point out when
EXPERIMENT
are displayed
What's something's
wrong
or ignored. here? Hint:not working
We're tryingright, butup
to SUM they canitems.
all the be challenging to fix. Fortunately, there
are several options that can help you track down the source of the error, and fix it.
Previous
Next 1
More information on the web
Detect errors in formulas
How to avoid broken formulas
Evaluate a nested formula one step at a time
Free Excel training online
3
Previous
1 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
e information on the web
#N/A error is caused because there is no value matching "Apple". You can
ect errors in formulas
fix this by using a value that does exist, suppress the error with IFERROR, or
w to avoid broken formulas
ignore it and know it will go away when you do use a value that exists.
uate a nested formula one step at a time
Excel training online
2 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.
3 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. From there, look at the help topic to deduce what went
wrong with your formula.
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. From there, look at the help topic to deduce what went
wrong with your formula.
Previous Next
Fruit Amount
Apples 50
Oranges 20
Bananas 60
Lemons 40
Apple #N/A
GOOD TO KNOW
Clicking Options will let you set the
rules for when errors in Excel are
displayed or ignored.
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.
enging to fix. Fortunately, there are several options that can help you track down the source of the error, and fix it.
More questions about Excel?
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More questions about Excel?
Press ALT+Q and type what you want to know.
More questions about Excel?
Keep going. There is more to learn with Excel:
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Community: Ask questions and connect with other Excel fans.
Give us feedback
now.
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