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.

Let's go
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=A1+B1,
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Dive down for more detail
Previous
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More information on the web
More about formulas, cells, and
Use Excel as a calculator
Overviewranges
of formulas
Excel in Excel
is made up of individual cells that are grouped into rows and
Excel functions (by category)
columns. Rows are numbered, and columns are lettered. There are over
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Excel functions
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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

More information on the web

 cs: Basics: doing math with Excel
candoing
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Dive down for more detail Next step

re information on the web

More about formulas, cells, and
Excel as a calculator
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can contain cell references, ranges of cell references,
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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 Function
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.
=SUM(A1
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follows with its arguments (the values a function uses to calculate)
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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. Function

Previous Next
=SUM(A1
)
More information on the web Opening parent

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
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CHECK THIS OUT EXTRA CREDIT
Change the numbers here, and You can raise a value to a
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contain the formula arguments, and A1:A10,C1:C10 are the cell ranges for the function separated by a comma.

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Function Argument

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A range of cells has a starting cell, colon, and an
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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
formula, Excel will automatically add the colon.

Commas separate multiple arguments

Function Argument Argument

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) A range of cells Another range of cells

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More information on the web
All about the3SUM function
Use AutoSum to sum numbers
All about the COUNT function
Free Excel training online
Back to top Dive down for more detail
Next step

More about functions

Go to the Formulas tab and browse through the Function Library, where
functions are listed by category, like Text, Date & Time, etc. Insert Function will let
you search for functions by name, and launch a function wizard that can help
you build your formula.

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".

Now, let's try one that doesn't require any arguments.

More information on the web

Back to top

Free Excel training online

Go back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To proceed to the next step, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
 Introduction to functions
oduction to functions
ctions give you the ability to do a variety of things, like perform mathematical operations, look up values, or even
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1 Under the Amount column for Fruit (cell D7), enter =SUM(D3:D6),
or type =SUM(, then select that range with the mouse, and press
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Press Enter to confirm it. The AutoSum feature has all of the
most common functions.
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then,
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about the COUNT function
e Excel training online
Dive down for more detail Next step

More about functions

Go to the Formulas tab and browse through the Function Library, where
functions are listed by category, like Text, Date & Time, etc. Insert Function will let
you search for functions by name, and launch a function wizard that can help
you build your formula.

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:

The function The first Additional

name. argument. It's arguments,
almost always separated by
required. commas (,).
 The function The first Additional
name. argument. It's arguments,
almost always separated by
required. commas (,).

=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".

Now, let's try one that doesn't require any arguments.

The TODAY function returns today's date. It will

automatically update when Excel recalculates.

=TODAY()

More information on the web

All about the SUM
function

Use AutoSum to sum numbers

All about the COUNT

function

Free Excel training online

Back to top Next step

e Excel training online

back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To proceed to the next step, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
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 >

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: 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.
EXTRA CREDIT
Try using
CHECK THIS
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Links for more information on the web

3all about the AVERAGE function on the web
Select to learn
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Select to learn all about the MODE function on the web
Select to learn about free Excel training on the web
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More information on the web

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e the AVERAGE function to get the average of numbers in a range of cells.
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More information on the web

All about the AVERAGE
function
All about the MEDIAN function

All about the MODE

function
Free Excel training online
Fruit Amount Meat Amount
Apples 50 Beef 50 CHECK THIS OUT
Select any range of numbers,
Oranges 20 Chicken 30 then look in the Status Bar for an
Bananas 60 Pork 10 instant Average.
Lemons 40 Fish 50
AVERAGE > 42.5 AVERAGE > 35

Item Amount Item Amount

Bread 50 Bread 50
Donuts 100 Donuts 100
Cookies 40 Cookies 40
Cakes 50 Cakes 50
Pies 20 Pies 20
AVERAGE > 52 MEDIAN 50

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.

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, and D41.
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
Free Excel training online
Go back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To proceed to the next step, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
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More information on the web

All about the MIN function
All about the MAX function
Use Excel as your calculator
Free Excel training online
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Excel training online

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Previous Next

More information on the web

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All about the MIN function
bout the MIN function
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Free Excel training online
 Fruit Amount Meat Amount
Apples 50 Beef 50
Oranges 20 Chicken 30
Bananas 60 Pork 10
Lemons 40 Fish 50
MIN > 20 MAX > 50

Item Amount Item Amount

Bread 50 Bread 50
Donuts 100 Donuts 100
Cookies 40 Cookies 40
Cakes 50 Cakes 50
Pies 20 Pies 20
MIN or MAX > 100 10

GOOD TO KNOW
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N(A1:A10,B1:B10), or =MAX(A1:A10,10).
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those values, like =MIN(A1:A10,B1:B10), or
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value, like 10, in which case the formula would never
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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

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 Date functions
el can give you the current date, based on your computer's regional settings. You can also add and subtract Dates.
ck outExcel
the TODAY
can function,
give you which
the gives you Today's
current date. These
date, based are live,
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computer's regionalso when you open your workbook tomorrow
tract Dates - Enter your next birthday in MM/DD/YY
settings. You can also add and subtract Dates. format in cell D7, and watch Excel tell you how many days away it is by using =D7-D6
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 o
1 Check
OD TO KNOW
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workbook
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el can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You can also add and subtract times. For instance, you might
2 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.
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, enter a random number of days. In cell D11, we
re information on the web
added =D6+D10 to calculate the due date from today.
about the TODAY function
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.
2 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.

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 s
Times that won't contin
The inner parentheses () make sure Excel calculates those D
parts of the formula by themselves. The outer Tim
parentheses make sure Excel multiplies the final inner result by
24.

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All about the TODAY function

All about the NOW function

All about the DATE function

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you open your workbook tomorrow, it will have tomorrow's date. Enter =TODAY() in cell D6.
ny days away it is by using =D7-D6 in cell D8.

Date functions
Today's date: 08/14/24 You got it!
Your birthday: 11/03/23
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Grace period days: 5 can use an IF function like this: =IF(D7="","",D7-D6),
Bill due on: 08/19/24 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: 11:31:57 PM

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
 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+:
calculate
ative their pay and overtime.
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e Out)-(Lunch In - Lunch Out))*24.
Joining
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in Excel
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More information on the web
All about the TEXT function
Combine text and numbers
3 online
Free Excel training

Dive down for more detail

Using text and numbers together

Now we'll use the & to join text and numbers, not just text and text

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

More information on the web

ingare
re 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 have first and last
in Excel
ell E3, enter =D3&C3 to join the last and first names.
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e downFortunately,
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Dive down for more detail Next

Using text and numbers together

Now we'll use the & to join text and numbers, not just text and text

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.

1 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.
2 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. WORTH EXPLO
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Then select the Custom
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Previous Next code that's displayed b

More information on the web

All about the TEXT function

Combine text and numbers

Free Excel training online

 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

ant. Then select the Custom option. You can copy the format code that's displayed back to your formula.

Using text & numbers

Today's date: 08/14/24
Current time: 11:31 PM

Joining text & numbers

Today's date: 45518
Current time: 45518.9805235427

Formatting text & numbers CHECK THIS OUT

Formulas, especially big ones, can
Today's date: 08/14/2024 sometimes be hard to read, but you can
Current time: 11:31 PM break up their parts with spaces like this:

=C28 & " " & TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY")

WORTH EXPLORING
If you 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 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.
formula
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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

IF statement with another function

IF statements can also force additional calculations to be performed if a
certain condition is met. Here we're going to evaluate a cell to see if Sales
Tax should be charged, and calculate it if the condition is true.

3
 Previous

More information on the web

 IF statements
atements allow you to make logical comparisons between conditions. An IF statement generally says that if one condition is true do some

IF statements allow you to make logical comparisons between conditions.

An IF statement generally says that if one condition is true do something,
E andotherwise
FALSE are unlike other words in
do something ExcelThe
else. formulas in thatcan
formulas theyreturn
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or even
C3="Apple","Yes","No")
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force is
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2 Copy D9 to D10. The answer here should be FALSE, because an

orange is not an apple.
OD TO KNOW
en you create a formula, Excel will automatically place colored borders around any ranges referenced in the formula, and the correspondin
3 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
re information onthan
the or equal to
web
100 in cell C12?
about the IF function
about the IFS function
Dive down for more detail
anced IF statements Next
e Excel training online

IF statement with another function

IF statements can also force additional calculations to be performed if a
certain condition is met. Here we're going to evaluate a cell to see if Sales
Tax should be charged, and calculate it if the condition is true.

1 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.

2 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".
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.
 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.

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All about the IF function

All about the IFS function

Advanced IF statements

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hat if one condition is true do something, otherwise do something else. The formulas can return text, values, or even more calculations.

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 t

IF statements
Apple
Orange

50 Less than 100

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")

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 GOOD TO KNOW

When you create a formula, Excel will autom
Shipping? Yes $6.25 place colored borders around any ranges re
in the formula, and the corresponding rang
formula will be the same color. You can see
Total $38.48 you select cell F33 and press F2 to edit the

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.
, or even more calculations.

oes need to be in quotes like this:

lect cell F33 and press F2 to edit the formula.

O KNOW
eate a formula, Excel will automatically
d borders around any ranges referenced
a, and the corresponding ranges in the
be the same color. You can see this if
ll F33 and press F2 to edit the formula.
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IFERROR

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
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Dive down for more detail

VLOOKUP and #N/A

Invariably, 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 the
lookup value simply doesn't exist, or it can because the reference cell
doesn't have a value yet.

1
 2

Previous

More information on the web

 VLOOKUP
OKUP is one of the most widely used functions in Excel (and one of our favorites too!). VLOOKUP lets you look up a value in a column on t

OOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
VLOOKUP
at do you is one
want to look for?of the most widely used functions in Excel (and one of our
favorites too!). VLOOKUP lets you look up a value in a column on the left,
ou find it, how many columns to the right do you want to get a value?
then returns information in another column to the right if it finds a match.
ere doVLOOKUP
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look for it?
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ERIMENT for? you want to get a value?
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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 t

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,
le 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?

re information on the web

about the VLOOKUP function
1 In cell
about the INDEX/MATCH
D22, enter =VLOOKUP(C22,C17:D20,2,FALSE). The
correct functions
answer for Apples is 50. VLOOKUP looked for Apples, found
it, then
about the IFERROR function went over one column to the right, and returned the
amount.
PivotTables to analyze worksheet data
2 online
e Excel training Now try for yourself in the Meat section, in cell G22. You should
end up with =VLOOKUP(F22,F17:G20,2,FALSE).

Dive down for more detail Next

VLOOKUP and #N/A

Invariably, 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 the
lookup value simply doesn't exist, or it can because the reference cell
doesn't have a value yet.

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))

This says, "If cell C43 equals nothing (""), then return nothing,
 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".

Previous Next

More information on the web

All about the VLOOKUP
function
All about the INDEX/MATCH
functions
All about the IFERROR function

Use PivotTables to analyze worksheet

data
Free Excel training online
ou look up a value in a column on the left, then returns information in another column to the right if it finds a match. VLOOKUP says:

s with new values.

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.

Fruit Amount Meat Amount

Apples 50 Beef 50
Oranges 20 Chicken 30
Bananas 60 Pork 10
Lemons 40 Fish 50

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.

A rule of thumb is to not add error handlers to your formulas

until you're absolutely certain they work properly.
ch. VLOOKUP says:

t have a value yet.

written, you
can just
replace the
function name
with the one
you want.
We've written
all the
functions
you'll need for
Conditional functions - SUMIF
Conditional
cell E106, sofunctions - SUMIF
you can
Conditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of a range based on a given condition, or criter
copy/paste
SUMIF
these, or letstry you
to sum in one range based on a specifc criteria you look for in another range, like how many Apples you h
Conditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of
=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D4)
type thema range based on a given condition, or criteria you specify. Such as, out of
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=SUMIF(C92:C
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Next
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=AVERAGEIFS(
Conditional
Select cell H64
E92:E103,C92: functions - COUNTIF
and type
C103,C106,D9
COUNTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in a range based on a criteria you specify. They're a bit different from the other I
=COUNTIFS(F5
2:D92,D106)
Select cell D64 and type =COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64). COUNTIF is structured like this:
0:F61,F64,G50:
COUNTIF
=COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64)
G61,G64).
=COUNTIF(C92
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MAXIFS
This is the first range to count
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This is the criteria for the first match
E103,C92:C103
,C106,D92:D10
This is the second range to count
3,D106)
This is criteria for the second match
MINIFS
Dive down for more detail
=MINIFS(E92:E
103,C92:C103,
Next
C106,D92:D10
More
3,D106)conditional functions

=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:
200
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
More informationDive
on thedown
web for more detail
 Dive down 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
All about the MAXIFS
criteria you function
specify. They're a bit different from the other IF and IFS
Create a drop-down list
functions, in that they only have a criteria range, and criteria. They don't
Free Excelevalute
training online
one range, then look in another to summarize.
Back to top
Next
1

=COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)

Dive down for more detail

More conditional functions

More conditional functions
You've already seen SUMIF, SUMIFS, COUNTIF, and COUNTIFS. Now you can
try on your own with the other functions, such as AVERAGEIF/S, MAXIFS,
MINIFS. They're all structured the same way, so once you get one formula
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 you can
copy/paste these, or try to type them yourself for practice.

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,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MINIFS =MINIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)

Dive down for more detail

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:

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.

Previous

More information on the web

 Conditional functions - SUMIF
ditional functions - SUMIF
ditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of a range based on a given condition, or criter
MIF lets you sum in one range based on a specifc criteria you look for in another range, like how many Apples you h
Conditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of
MIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D4)
a range based on a given condition, or criteria you specify. Such as, out of
at rangealldo youfruits
the want to
in look
the at?
list, how many are apples? Or, how many oranges are
at valuethe(text or number)
Florida type? do you want to look for?
eachismatch
MIFS found,
the same what range
as SUMIF, but itdolets
youyou
want
usetomultiple
sum in?criteria. So in this example, you can look for Fruit and Type, instead of just by Fruit.
1 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
MIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)
cell D17 and type =SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D14). SUMIF is
at range do youstructured
want to sum? like this:
is the first range to look in for matches
is the criteria for the first matchWhat range do you For each match found, what
want to look at? range do you want to sum?

is the criteria for the second match

=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D4)
e down for more detail

ditional functions - COUNTIF

UNTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in a range
What based
value (texton or anumber)
criteria you specify. They're a bit different from the other IF and IFS functio
ct cell D64 and type =COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64). COUNTIF
do you want tois look
structured
for? like this:
UNTIF(C50:C61,C64)
at range do you want to look at?
at value 2
SUMIFS is the same as SUMIF, but it lets you use multiple
(text or number) do you want to look for?
criteria. So in this example, you can look for Fruit and Type,
instead of just by Fruit. Select cell H17 and type
UNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)
=SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17). SUMIFS is
is the first range to count like this:
structured
is the criteria for the firstWhat
match
range This is the This is the
is the second range to countdo you want criteria for criteria for
to sum?
is criteria for the second match the first the second
match match
e down for more detail

re conditional functions

=SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)
e down for more detail

MIF with a value argument

This is the
e's an example of the SUMIF function using greater Thisgreater
than (>) to find all values is the than a given amount:
first range to second range
look in for to look in for
mook
up through
some values based on
these cells... this criterion: matches matches
nd if the value is greater than 50, sum it up.

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
re informationDive
on thedown
web for more detail Next
 Dive down 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
about the MAXIFS
criteria you function
specify. They're a bit different from the other IF and IFS
ate a drop-down list
functions, in that they only have a criteria range, and criteria. They don't
e Excelevalute
training online
one range, then look in another to summarize.

1 Select cell D64 and type =COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64). COUNTIF is

structured like this:
What range do you
want to look at?

=COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64)

What value (text or number)

do you want to look for?

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 H64 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)

This is the criteria This is criteria for

for the first match the second match

Dive down for more detail Next

More conditional functions

More conditional functions
You've already seen SUMIF, SUMIFS, COUNTIF, and COUNTIFS. Now you can
try on your own with the other functions, such as AVERAGEIF/S, MAXIFS,
MINIFS. They're all structured the same way, so once you get one formula
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 you can
copy/paste these, or try to type them yourself for practice.

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,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MINIFS =MINIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)

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:

Sum up some ....Look through ...and if the

values based these cells... value is
on this greater than
criterion: 50, sum it up.

=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.

Previous Next step

More information on the web

All about the SUMIF All about the SUMIFS
function function
All about the SUMIF All about the SUMIFS
function function
All about the COUNTIF All about the COUNTIFS
function function
All about the AVERAGEIF All about the AVERAGEIFS
function function
All about the MINIFS All about the MAXIFS
function function
Create a drop-down list Free Excel training
online

Back to top
 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
Apples 50 Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Navel 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Eureka 40

Fruit SUMIF Fruit Type SUMIFS

Apples Oranges Florida

nt from the other IF and IFS functions, in that they only have a criteria range, and criteria. They don't evalute
EXPERT TIP one range, then look in anot
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.

olution. See this PivotTable article for more information.

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
Apples 50 Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Navel 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Eureka 40

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
ne range, then look in another to summarize.
ruit and Type cells has a
here you can select
y it, and watch the
tically update.
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.
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result.
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

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More information on the web

 Let the Function Wizard guide you
uheknow
Function Wizard
the name ofguide you you want, but you're not sure how to build it, you can use the Function Wizard to help you out.
the function

If you know the name of the function you want, but you're not sure how
to build it, you can use the Function Wizard to help you out.
OD TO KNOW
can type cell and range references, or select them with your mouse.
1 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
e information on the web
display its syntax.
rview of formulas in Excel
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category)
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Excel training result,
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with your mouse.

GOOD TO KNOW
As you enter each argu
description will be disp
above the Formula resu

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Overview of formulas in Excel

Excel functions (by category)

Excel functions (alphabetical)

Free Excel training online
n Wizard to 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.
GOOD TO
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EXPERIMENT
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upworking right, but they can be challenging
all the items.
or ignored. 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

More information on the web

ome Fixing formula errors
g formula errors
point in time, you'll run across a formula that has an error, which Excel will display with #ErrorName. Errors can be helpful, because th
r 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, th
u click Help on this Error, a help topic specific to the error message will open. If you click Show Calculation Steps, an Evaluate Formula dial
h timeAtyousome point inExcel
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e information onInthe webD9, the #N/A error is caused because there is no value
cell
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step at a timeyou do use a value that exists.
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.

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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

e. Errors can be helpful, because they point out when something's not working right, but they can be challenging to fix. Fortunately, there

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.
ging 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?
Press ALT+Q and type what you want to know.
Keep going. There is more to learn with Excel:
LinkedIn Learning: Video courses for all levels—from beginner to advanced. Take at your own pace.
Community: Ask questions and connect with other Excel fans.
What else is new?Office 365 subscribers get continual updates and new features.
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:
LinkedIn Learning: Video courses for all levels—from beginner to advanced. Take at your own pace.
Community: Ask questions and connect with other Excel fans.

Keep going. There is more to learn with Excel:

LinkedIn Learning Community

Video courses for all Ask questions
levels—from beginner and connect
to advanced. Take at with other Excel
your own pace. fans.

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What else is
new?
Office 365
subscribers get
continual updates
and new features.
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