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Calculating in Excel

This document provides instructions for performing calculations in Excel spreadsheets. It explains that formulas using cell references allow Excel to calculate answers automatically. The first step in a formula is the equal sign. Formulas follow order of operations with parentheses first, then multiplication/division, then addition/subtraction. Cells are referenced by their column letter and row number. Examples show how to create simple formulas, use cell references, and edit formulas by dragging cell borders.

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doofusmagoofus
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70 views

Calculating in Excel

This document provides instructions for performing calculations in Excel spreadsheets. It explains that formulas using cell references allow Excel to calculate answers automatically. The first step in a formula is the equal sign. Formulas follow order of operations with parentheses first, then multiplication/division, then addition/subtraction. Cells are referenced by their column letter and row number. Examples show how to create simple formulas, use cell references, and edit formulas by dragging cell borders.

Uploaded by

doofusmagoofus
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Cannington Community College Year 10 2011

CALCULATING IN EXCEL WORKSHEET


Although calculations are one of the main uses for spreadsheets, Excel can do most of the
hard work for you by using a formula. When you enter a formula in to a cell in a spreadsheet,
Excel will calculate the answer and display the answer in that cell. There are a few rules to
remember when creating a spreadsheet formula.

What symbol must we put first when typing a formula in Excel: _________________________

Fill in the gaps regarding the order of typing a formula in Excel:

B______________ ()
I ______________ ^
Multiplication
D_____________ /
Addition
Subtraction

When we create formulas, we refer to “Cells”. Cells are those


squares you are typing your information into. For example, the
top left cell of an Excel document is A1.

Complete this by writing in the reference for each cell in the table below:

A B C D E F G
1
2 F2
3 B3
4

If any of the formula includes text, it must be within “” marks (quotation marks). Remember,
that the formula cannot include the cell the answer will be in. This will create a circular
reference error.

Here are some excersises for you to help you understand


calculations in Excel

Cannington Community college Certificate 1 IT Page | 1


Cannington Community College Year 10 2011

Creating a Simple Formula

1) Create a blank workbook.

2) Click in cell A1 and enter the following.

=5+5

3) Press [Enter] to complete the formula. Excel will calculate the result.

Using Cell Referencing

1) Enter the number 5 in cell B1.

2) Enter the number 10 in cell B2.

3) Enter the following formula in cell B3.

=b1+b2

4) Press [Enter] to complete the formula. Excel will calculate the result.

5) Change the number in cell B2 and press [Enter]. The result of the formula will be re-
calculated

(IF IT DOESN’T RECALCULATE ON ITS OWN YOU CAN PRESS [F9] TO FORCE RECALCULATION).

Using the Mouse for Cell Referencing

Creation of a formula can be made easier by using the mouse to create cell references.

1) Enter the number 10 in cell C1.

2) Enter the number 20 in cell C2.

3) Click in cell C3 and type a = sign.

4) Click on cell C1. The reference for that cell will appear in the formula.

5) Type a + sign.

6) Click on cell C2. The reference for that cell will appear in the formula.

7) Check that the formula reads =C1+C2 and press [Enter].

Cannington Community college Certificate 1 IT Page | 2


Cannington Community College Year 10 2011

Exercise 4. Editing a Formula

1) Select cell C3 and press [F2] to edit the formula.

Notice that the cell references in the formula have become coloured. The cells the
references refer to have a border around them that is the same colour as the reference.
These coloured borders can be moved as an easy way to edit a formula.

2) Move your mouse to the edge of the blue border around cell C1.

3) Drag the border to move it to cell B1. This will change the cell reference in the formula.

4) Press [Esc] to cancel the changes to in the formula.

5) Close the workbook without saving the changes.

Have a go now at the Spreadsheet activity for today

Cannington Community college Certificate 1 IT Page | 3

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