Get started with formulas

In just a few steps, you'll be up and running with building formulas and functions in Excel, the
world's most powerful spreadsheet app.

Go back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To start the tour, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
 Basics: doing math with Excel
Basics: doing math with Excel
You can Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide in Excel without using any built-in functions. You just need to use some basic operato
To Add, select cell F3, type =C3+C4, then press Enter.
You
To Subtract, can cell
select Add,F4,Subtract, Multiply,
type =C3-C4, and Divide
then press Enter. in Excel without using any built
You just need to use some basic operators:
To Multiply, select cell F5, type =C3*C4, then press Enter.
To Divide, sign.
select cell F6, type =C3/C4, then press Enter.
Check this out: change the numbers in cells C3 and C4, and watch the formula results automatically change.
EXTRA CREDIT: 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, enter
Dive down for more detail
Next step
2
More about formulas, cells, and ranges
Excel is made up of individual cells that are grouped into rows and columns. Rows are numbered, and columns are lettered. Ther
Formulas can
You'll notice 3
that in our third example above, we used the SUM function. A function is a pre-built command that takes a value or
Formulas with functions start with an equals sign, then the function name follows with its arguments (the values a function uses
You confirm a formula by pressing Enter. Once you do that the formula will calculate, and the result will be displayed in the cell. T
Some formula 4explanations
=10*20 is a formula, where 10 and 20 are constants, and the * sign is the operator.
=SUM(A1:A10) is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formula argumen
=SUM(A1:A10,C1:C10) is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formula a
GOOD TO
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 are
Excel functions (by category)
numbered, and columns are lettered. There are over 1 million rows and 16,000 columns,
and you
Excel functions can put formulas in any of them.
(alphabetical)
Free ExcelFormulas can contain cell references, ranges of cell references, operators, and constants.
training online
The following are all examples of formulas:

You'll notice that in our third example above, we used the

pre-built command that takes a value or values, calculates them in a certain way, and
returns a result. For instance, the
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 with functions start with an equals sign, then the function name follows with its
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

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
formula in the cell. Press

More information on the web

 Basics: doing math with Excel Numbers to use:
1
You can Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide in Excel without using any built-in functions. 2
You just need to use some basic operators: +, -, *, /. All formulas start with an equals (=)
sign.

1 You To
TRA CREDIT: canAdd,
raise select
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,

2 To Subtract, select cell F4, type =C3-C4, then press Enter.

el is made up of individual cells that are grouped into rows and columns. Rows are numbered, and columns are lettered. There are over 1 mill

u'll notice 3
that in To
ourMultiply, select
third example cell F5,
above, we type
used =C3*C4, then press
the SUM function. Enter. is a pre-built command that takes a value or values, calculate
A function
mulas with functions start with an equals sign, then the function name follows with its arguments (the values a function uses to calculate) wr
u 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 formu
4 To Divide, select cell F6, type =C3/C4, then press Enter.
UM(A1:A10) is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formula arguments, and A1:A10
UM(A1:A10,C1:C10) is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formula arguments, and
Dive down for more detail Next step

More about formulas, cells, and ranges

Excel is made up of individual cells that are grouped into rows and columns. Rows are
numbered, and columns are lettered. There are over 1 million rows and 16,000 columns,
and you can put formulas in any of them.
Formulas can contain cell references, ranges of cell references, operators, and constants.
The following are all examples of formulas: =A1+
=A1+B1
=10*20 B1
=SUM(A1:A10)
You'll notice that in our third example above, we used the SUM function. A function is a
-built command that takes a value or values, calculates them in a certain way, and
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(A
Formulas with functions start with an equals sign, then the function name follows with its
 =SUM(A
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.

=SUM(A
0)
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Use Excel as a calculator

Overview of formulas in Excel

Excel functions (by category)

Excel functions (alphabetical)

Free Excel training online

 Numbers to use: Operation: Formulas: Answers:
1 Addition (+) 3
2 Subtraction (-) -1
Multiplication (*) 2
Division (/) 0,5
Power (^) 1
ift+6. In cell F7, enter =C3^C4.
CHECK THIS OUT EXTRA CREDIT
Change the numbers here, and You can raise a value to a
watch the formula results power by using the carat
automatically change. (^) symbol, like =C3^C4.
mns are lettered. There are over 1 million rows and 16,000 columns, and you can put formulas in any of them.
Enter it with Shift+6.

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 references o
values a function uses to calculate) wrapped in parentheses.
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

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 for

=A1+
While =10*20 might calculate the same as =A1+B
Cel
l
Cell
=10*20 constants aren't a good practice. Why? Because
easily see the constant without selecting the cell
for it. That can make it hard to change later. It's m

B1 ref
ere
nc
referenc
e
Constant Constant to put your constants in cells, where they can be
adjusted, and referenced in your formulas.

e For example: Select the yellow cell with

we used the SUM function with a range of cells.
Function Argument type in "4" or "8" directly into the formula.

=SUM(A1:A10)
A range of cells has a starting cell, colon, and an
=SUM(A1:A10)
A range of cells has a starting cell, colon, and an
8
ending cell. When you select a range of cells for a
12
formula, Excel will automatically add the colon.

Commas separate multiple

arguments
Function Argument Argument

=SUM(A1:A10,C1:C1
0) A range of cells Another range of cells

Opening parenthesis Closing parenthesis. Excel will usually add this

for you when you press Enter.
M 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.

ress 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.

are values that you enter in cells or formulas.

20 might calculate the same as =A1+B1,
ren't a good practice. Why? Because you can't
he constant without selecting the cell and looking
can make it hard to change later. It's much easier
constants in cells, where they can be easily
nd referenced in your formulas.

e: Select the yellow cell with 12 below. You'll see

function with a range of cells. We didn't
or "8" directly into the formula.

Values
4
 8
12

usually add this

cells A1 through A10, and totals them. Excel has over 400 functions, which you can explore on the Formulas tab.
 Introduction to functions
Introduction to functions
Functions give you the ability to do a variety of things, like perform mathematical operations, look up values, or even calculate d
Under the
Functions
Now let's try AutoSum.give youthe
Select thecell
ability
undertothe
do column
a varietyforofMeat
things,
(celllike
G7),perform
then go mathematical
to Formulas > AutoSum > select SUM. You'll s
operations,
Here's a neat keyboardlook up values,
shortcut. Select or
celleven
D15,calculate
then pressdates
Alt =,and
thentimes.
Enter.Let's try a few ways
This automatically to add
enters SUM for you.
Dive downup forvalues with the
more detail
EXTRA CREDITTry the COUNT function using any of the methods you've already tried. The COUNT function counts the number of
Next step 1
More about functions
Go to the Formulas tab and browse through the Function Library, where functions are listed by category, like Text, Date
2
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. SUM is the f
The TODAY function returns today's date. It will automatically update when Excel recalculates.
CHECK THIS OUTSelect these cells. Then in the lower-right corner of the Excel window, look for SUM: 170 in the bottom bar. That
IMPORTANT
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
Next step

More about functions

Go to the
listed by category, like
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

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

 If the
to D41, and all of column H".

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

More information on the web

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 Fruit
Apples
Functions give you the ability to do a variety of things, like perform mathematical Oranges
operations, look up values, or even calculate dates and times. Let's try a few ways to add Bananas
up values with the SUM function. Lemons
SUM >
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 Enter. This will sum the values in Item
cells D3, D4, D5, and D6. Your answer should be 170. Bread
2 Now let's try AutoSum. Select the yellow cell under the column for Meat (cell Donuts
G7), then go to Formulas > AutoSum > select SUM. You'll see Excel Cookies
automatically enter the formula for you. Press Enter to confirm it. The Cakes
AutoSum feature has all of the most common functions. Pies
SUM >
3 Here's a neat keyboard shortcut. Select cell D15, then press Alt =
then, Enter. This automatically enters SUM for you.

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 Fruit
opening parenthesis for you. It will also display the optional and required arguments. Apples
Oranges
Bananas
Lemons
Now let's look at the anatomy of a few functions. The SUM function is structured like this: SUM >

The function The first Additional

name. argument. It's arguments, Item
almost always separated by
 argument. It's arguments,
almost always separated by Cars
required. commas (,). Trucks
Bikes
Skates

=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

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
Oranges 20 Select these cells. Then in the lower-right
Bananas 60 corner of the Excel window, look for this:
Lemons 40
SUM > 170
That's called the Status Bar, and it's just
another way to quickly find a total and other
details about a selected cell or range.

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.
AVERAGE
function AVERAGE function
Use the AVERAGE function to get the average of numbers in a range of cells.
Select cellUse
D7,the
then use AutoSum to add an AVERAGE function.
Now select cell G7, and enter an AVERAGE function by typing =AVERAGE(G3:G6).
In cell D15, 1you can use either AutoSum, or type to enter another AVERAGE function.
CHECK THIS
Activate the previous sheet
2
Go to the next sheet
EXTRA CREDIT
Links for more information on the web
3
Select to learn all about the AVERAGE function on the web
Select to learn all about the MEDIAN function on the web
Select to learn all about the MODE function on the web
Select to learn about free Excel training on the web
Previous

More information on the web

Free Exce
Go back t
AVERAGE function Fruit
Use the AVERAGE function to get the average of numbers in a range of cells. Apples
Oranges
1 Select cell D7, then use AutoSum to add an AVERAGE function. Bananas
Lemons
AVERAGE >
2 Now select cell G7, and enter an AVERAGE function by typing
=AVERAGE(G3:G6). Item
Bread
3 In cell D15, you can use either AutoSum, or type to enter another AVERAGE Donuts
function. Cookies
Cakes
Pies
Previous Next AVERAGE >

More information on the web

All about the AVERAGE function

All about the MEDIAN function

All about the MODE function

Free Excel training online

More about the SUM fun
In some of the above tips
Cells C37 through D41 co
The formula in cell D42: =
If the SUM function in ce
Here's another way it can
Cells C47 through D48 co

More information on the

All about the SUM functio
All about the SUMIF func
Use Excel as your calculat
Free Excel training online
Go back to top by pressin
Fruit Amount Meat Amount
Apples 50 Beef 50 CHECK THIS OUT
Oranges 20 Chicken 30 Select any range of numbers
Bananas 60 Pork 10 then look in the Status Bar for an
instant Average.
Lemons 40 Fish 50
AVERAGE > AVERAGE >

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 >

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.
 ny range of numbers,
ok in the Status Bar for an
 MIN and MAX functions
MIN and MAX functions
Use the MIN function to get the minumum number in a range of cells.
Use thecell
Select MAX Use
D7, the to get the maximum number in a range of cells.
function
Now select Use
then use thecell the
G7,cell
In and enter
D15, youa
1
can use either
More
information on
All aobut the MIN function
2
All about the MAX function
Free Excel
GOOD TO training online

3
KNOW

More information on the web

You can use either MIN or MAX with multiple ranges, or values to show the greater or lesser of those values, like =MIN(A1:A10,B1:B10), or =M

More information on the web

All about the MIN function
All about the MAX function
Use Excel as your calculator
Free Excel training online
 MIN and MAX functions
Fruit
Use the MIN function to get the smallest number in a range of cells. Apples
Use the MAX function to get the largest number in a range of cells. Oranges
Bananas
1 Select cell D7, then use the AutoSum Wizard to add a MIN function. Lemons
MIN >

2 Now select cell G7, and enter a MAX function by typing =MAX(D3:D6). Item
Bread
Donuts
3 In cell D15, you can use either the AutoSum Wizard, or type to enter a MIN or
Cookies
MAX function.
Cakes
Pies
MIN or MAX >

More information on the web

u can use either MIN or MAX with multiple ranges, or values to show the greater or lesser of those values, like =MIN(A1:A10,B1:B10), or =MAX(A1:A10,10).

All about the MIN function

All about the MAX function

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 > MAX >

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 > 10

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.
 Date functions
Date functions
Excel can give you the current date, based on your computer's regional settings. You can also add and subtract Dates.

Excel can give you the current date, based on your computer's regional settings. You can
Check out the TODAY function, which gives you Today's date. These are live, or volatile functions, so when you open your workbo
also add and subtract Dates.
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 u
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 d
GOOD TO KNOW
IMPORTANT 1 Excel keeps dates and times based on the number of days starting from January 1, 1900. Times are kept in fracti
DETAIL
Time functions
Excel can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You can also add and subtract times. For instanc
In cell D28, 2
Add up hours
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 Time
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
 Date:
Time:

More information on the web

 Date functions
Excel can give you the current date, based on your computer's regional settings. You can
eck out the TODAY function, which gives you Today's date. These are live, or volatile functions, so when you open your workbook tomorrow, it
also add and subtract Dates.
btract 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 c
Date fun
1 Check out the TODAY function, which gives you Today's date. These are live, or
Today's date:
volatile functions, so when you open your workbook tomorrow, it will have
Your birthday:
tomorrow's date. Enter =TODAY() in cell D6.
Days until your birthday:
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 nee
2 Subtract Dates - Enter your next birthday in MM/DD/YY format in cell D7, and Grace period days:
watch Excel tell you how many days away it is by using =D7-D6 in cell D8. Bill due on:
his 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
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 added =D6+D10 to calculate the due date
from today.

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 Time fun
each time Excel calculates. If you need to change the Time format, you can go Current Time:
to Ctrl+1 > Number > Time > Select the format you want.

2 Add up hours between times - In cell D36 we've entered =((D35-D32)- Daily Hours
(D34-D33))*24, which calculates someone's start and end times, then Time In:
subracts the time they took for lunch. The *24 at the end of the formula Lunch Out:
converts the fractional portion of the day that Excel sees into hours. You'll Lunch In:
need to format the cell as a Number though. To do that, go to Home > Time Out:
Format > Cells (Ctrl+1) > Number > Number > 2 decimals. Total Hours:

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 hours
Time Out Lunch Out
Static Date
Date:
=((D35-D32)-(D34-D33))*24 Time:

Time In Lunch In

The inner parentheses () make sure Excel calculates those

parts of the formula by themselves. The outer parentheses make sure
Excel multiplies the final inner result by 24.

Previous Next

More information on the web

All about the TODAY function

All about the NOW function

All about the DATE function

Free Excel training online

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:
Your birthday:
Days until your birthday: IMPORTANT DETAIL
ract times. For instance, you might need to keep track of how many hours anIf you don't want
employee Excel
worked to display
each a negative
week, and number,
calculate their pay and overtim
Grace period days: because you haven't entered your birthday yet, you can
Bill due on: use an IF function like this: =IF(D7="","",D7-
says, "IF D7 equals nothing, then show nothing, otherwise
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
show D7 minus D6".
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:

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+:
 layand
ek, a negative number,
calculate their pay and overtime.
your birthday yet, you can
(D7="","",D7-D6), which
en show nothing, otherwise
e In - Time Out)-(Lunch In - Lunch Out))*24.
 Joining text from different cells
Joining text from different cells
There are many times in Excel when you want to join text that's in different cells. This example is very common, where you have f
In cell E3, enter =D3&C3 to join the last and first names.
SmithNancy There are look
doesn't many times
quite in though.
right Excel when you want
We need to addtoa comma
join textand
that's in different
a space. cells.
To do that This
we'll use quotes to create a new t
example
To create the is very
full name, common,
we'll where
join first and lastyou have
name, butfirst
useand lastwithout
a space names, aand wantIntoF3,
comma. combine them"&D3.
enter =C3&"
as first name,
Dive down for more detail last name, or full name. Fortunately, Excel lets us do that with the
Next Ampersand (
Using text and numbers together
Now we'll use1the & to join text and numbers, not just text and textLook at cells C28:D29. See how the date and times are in sepa
In cell C36, enter =C28&" "&TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY"). MM/DD/YYYY is the US format code for Month/Day/Year, like 09/25/201
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, l
CHECK THIS OUT 2 Formulas, especially big ones, can sometimes be hard to read, but you can break up their parts with spaces like
WORTH EXPLORINGIf you don't know what format code to use, you can use Ctrl+1 > Number to format any cell the way you wan
More information on the web
All about the TEXT function
Combine text and numbers
3 online
Free Excel training

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
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
a format code.

2
More information on the web
 Joining text from different cells First Name
Nancy
There are many times in Excel when you want to join text that's in different cells. This Andy
example is very common, where you have first and last names, and want to combine them Jan
as first name, last name, or full name. Fortunately, Excel lets us do that with the Mariya
Ampersand (&) sign, which you can enter with Shift+7. Steven
Michael
1 In cell E3, enter =D3&C3 to join the last and first names. Robert
Yvonne
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.
2 Formulas,
ECK THIS OUT
SmithNancy doesn't look quite right though. We need to add a comma and a
especially big ones, can sometimes be hard to read, but you can break up their parts with spaces like this:=C28 & " " &
ORTH EXPLORINGIf you don'tdo
space. To thatwhat
know we'llformat
use quotes touse,
code to create
youacan
newusetext string.
Ctrl+1 This time,
> Number enter any cell the way you want. Then select th
to format
=D3&", "&C3. The &", "& portion lets us join a comma and space with the
text in the cells.

3 To create the full name, we'll join first and last name, but use a space without a
comma. In F3, enter =C3&" "&D3.

Dive down for more detail

Using text and numbers together

Using text & num
Now we'll use the & to join text and numbers, not just text and text Today's date:
Current time:
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 Joining text & num
right, does it? Unfortunately, Excel doesn't know how you want to format the numbers, so Today's date: 45707
Current time: 45707,7283
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
Formatting text & n
the way you want in the resulting text string. You can do that with the TEXT function and
Today's date: 02/19/2025
a format code.
Current time: 05:28 soir

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.
 Previous Next

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
s:Minutes AM or PM, like 1:30 PM.
parts with spaces like this:=C28 & " " & TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY")
y cell the way you want. Then select the Custom option. You can copy the format code that's displayed back to your formula.

Using text & numbers

Today's date: 02/19/25
Current time: 5:28 PM

Joining text & numbers

Today's date: 45707
Current time: 45707,728346412

Formatting text & numbers

CHECK THIS OUT
Formulas, especially big ones, can sometimes
Today's date: 02/19/2025
be hard to read, but you can break up their
Current time: 05:28 soir
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
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.
your formula.
 IF statements
IF statements
IF statements allow you to make logical comparisons between conditions. An IF statement generally says that if one condition is
In cell D9
Copy D9 toIF statements allow you to make logical comparisons between conditions. An IF statement
Try anothergenerally says that if one condition is true do something, otherwise do something else.
IMPORTANT The formulas
DETAIL TRUEcanand return text,
FALSE are values,
unlike or words
other even more calculations.
in Excel formulas in that they don't need to be in quotes, and Excel wi
Dive down for more detail
Next
IF statement 1with 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 c
In cell F33,
Next we've 2
Next, change
GOOD TO KNOWWhen you create a formula, Excel will automatically place colored borders around any ranges referenced in the
EXPERT TIP 3
Previous
Next
More information on the web
All about the IF function
All about the IFS function
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
 3

More information on the web

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

IF statements allow you to make logical comparisons between conditions. An IF statement

generally says that if one condition is true do something, otherwise do something else.
The
PORTANT formulas
DETAIL TRUEcan
and return text,
FALSE are values,
unlike or words
other even more calculations.
in Excel formulas in that they don't need to be in quotes, and Excel will automatically

IF sta
1 In cell D9 enter =IF(C9="Apple",TRUE,FALSE). The correct answer is TRUE. Apple
Orange

2 Copy D9 to D10. The answer here should be FALSE, because an orange is not 50
an apple.
OD TO KNOWWhen you create a formula, Excel will automatically place colored borders around any ranges referenced in the formula, and the
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 than or equal to
100 in cell C12?

Dive down for more detail Next

IF statement with another function

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

More information on the web

All about the IF function

All about the IFS function

Advanced IF statements

Free Excel training online

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

n 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

IF statements
Apple
Orange

50 Less than 100

ges referenced in the formula, and the corresponding ranges in the formula will be the same color. You can see this if you select cell F33 and p
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 ref
the formula, and the corresponding ranges i
formula will be the same color. You can see
Total $38,48
select cell F33 and press F2 to edit the formu

EXPERT TIP
Named Ranges allow you to define terms or values in
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.
 like Yes or No does need to be in quotes like this: =IF(C3="Apple","Yes","No")

ate a formula, Excel will automatically

borders around any ranges referenced in
and the corresponding ranges in the
e the same color. You can see this if you
and press F2 to edit the formula.
VLOOKUP
VLOOKUP
VLOOKUP 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
=VLOOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
What do youVLOOKUP
want to is one
look of the most widely used functions in Excel (and one of our favorites too!).
for?
If you findVLOOKUP
it, how manyletscolumns
you look up aright
to the valuedo in
youa want
column on athe
to get left, then returns information in
value?
another column to
Where do you want to look for it? the right if it finds a match. VLOOKUP says:
Do you want an exact, or approximate match?
In cell D22,
Now try for
EXPERIMENTTry selecting different items from the drop down lists. You'll see the result cells instantly update themselves with ne
Dive down for more detail
Next
VLOOKUP and #N/A =VLOOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
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, i
If you know
If you're not
IMPORTANT DETAILIFERROR is what's known as a blanket error handler, meaning it will suppress any error your formula might th
Previous
Next
More information on the web
1
All about the VLOOKUP function
All about the INDEX/MATCH functions
All about the IFERROR function
Use PivotTables to analyze worksheet data
2 online
Free Excel training

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 (
or it can because the reference cell doesn't have a value yet.

1
 2

More information on the web

 VLOOKUP
OOKUP 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 the

VLOOKUP 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 the left, then returns information in
another column to the right if it finds a match. VLOOKUP says:

What do you If you find it, how many

want to look columns to the right do
for? you want to get a value?
PERIMENTTry selecting different items from the drop down lists. You'll see the result cells instantly update themselves with new values.

=VLOOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
ariably, 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 l

Where do you Do you want Fruit

want to look an exact, or Apples
for it? approximate Oranges
match? Bananas
Lemons
1 In cell D22, enter =VLOOKUP(C22,C17:D20,2,FALSE). The correct answer for
Apples
Apples is 50. VLOOKUP looked for Apples, found it, then went over one column
to the right, and returned the amount.

2 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 If the SUM function in cell D42 could talk, it w
Item
Invariably, you'll run into a situation where VLOOKUP can't find what you asked it to, and Bread
it returns an error (#N/A). Sometimes, it's because the lookup value simply doesn't exist, Donuts
or it can because the reference cell doesn't have a value yet. Cookies
Cakes
1 If you know your lookup value exists, but want to hide the error if the lookup cell Pies
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(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".

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:

te themselves 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.
 Conditional functions
Conditional functions - SUMIF
Conditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of a range based on a given condition, or criteria you sp
SUMIF lets you sum in one range based on a specifc criteria you look for in another range, like how many Apples you have. Selec
Conditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of a range based
=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D4)
What range ondoa you
given condition,
want or criteria you specify. Such
to look at?
many are apples? Or, how
What value (text or number) do you want many oranges
to look for? are the Florida type?
For each match found, what range do you want to sum in?
SUMIFS is the 1 same as SUMIF, but it lets you use multiple criteria. So in this example, you can look for Fruit and Type, instead of j
=SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)
What range do you want to sum?
This is the first range to look in for matches
This is the criteria for the first match
This is the
This is the criteria for the second match
EXPERT TIP
Dive down for more detail
Next step
Conditional functions - COUNTIF
COUNTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in a range based on a criteria you specify. They're a bit different from the other IF a
Select cell D64 and type =COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64). COUNTIF is structured like this:
=COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64)
What range do you want to look at?
What value 2 (text or number) do you want to look for?
COUNTIFS is
=COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)
This is the first range to count
This is the criteria for the first match
This is the second range to count
This is criteria for the second match
Dive down for more detail
Next
More conditional functions
You've already
=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 some values based on this criterion:
....Look through these cells...
...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 Pivo
More information on the web
All about the SUMIF function
All about the SUMIFS function
All about the COUNTIF function
All about the COUNTIFS function
Conditional functions
All about the AVERAGEIF function
All about the AVERAGEIFS function
All about the MINIFS function
COUNTIF
All about the MAXIFS function
They're
Create a drop-down list
range, and criteria. They don't evalute one range, then look in another to summarize.
Free Excel training online
Back to top
Next
1

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

More conditional functions

More conditional functions
Fruit
Apples
You've already seen SUMIF, SUMIFS, COUNTIF, and COUNTIFS. Now you can try on your
Oranges
own with the other functions, such as
Bananas
structured the same way, so once you get one formula written, you can just replace the Lemons
function name with the one you want. We've written all the functions you'll need for cell Apples
E106, so you can copy/paste these, or try to type them yourself for practice. Oranges
Bananas
SUMIF Lemons
SUMIFS Apples
AVERAGEIF Oranges
AVERAGEIFS Bananas
COUNTIF Lemons
COUNTIFS
MAXIFS Fruit
MINIFS Lemons

SUMIF with a value argument

Here's Item
than a given amount: Bread
Donuts
Sum up some Cookies
values based Cakes
on this Pies
criterion:

=SUMIF(D118:D122,">=50")

NOTE:
PivotTable is a better solution.

More information on the web

 Conditional functions - SUMIF Fruit
Apples
Conditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of a range based
Oranges
on a given condition, or criteria you specify. Such as, out of all the fruits in the list, how Bananas
many are apples? Or, how many oranges are the Florida type? Lemons
Apples
1 SUMIF lets you sum in one range based on a specifc criteria you look for in Oranges
another range, like how many Apples you have. Select cell D17 and type Bananas
=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D14). SUMIF is structured like this: Lemons
Apples
What range do you For each match found, what Oranges
want to look at? range do you want to sum? Bananas
Lemons

=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D4) Fruit
Apples

UNTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in What

a range based
value onor
(text a criteria
number)you specify. They're a bit different from the other IF and IFS functions
do you want to look for?

2 SUMIFS is the same as SUMIF, but it lets you use multiple criteria. So in this
example, you can look for Fruit and Type, instead of just by Fruit. Select cell H17
and type =SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17). SUMIFS is structured
like this:
What range This is the This is the
do you want criteria for the criteria for the
to sum? first match second match

=SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)

This is the first This is the

range to look second range
in for matches to look in for
matches

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 fo
Dive down for more detail Next
Conditional functions - COUNTIF Fruit
Apples
COUNTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in a range based on a criteria you specify.
Oranges
They're a bit different from the other IF and IFS functions, in that they only have a criteria
Bananas
range, and criteria. They don't evalute one range, then look in another to summarize.
Lemons
Apples
1 Select cell D64 and type =COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64). COUNTIF is structured like Oranges
Bananas
this:
What range do you Lemons
want to look at? Apples
Oranges
Bananas

=COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64) Lemons

Fruit
Apples
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
Fruit
Apples
You've already seen SUMIF, SUMIFS, COUNTIF, and COUNTIFS. Now you can try on your
Oranges
own with the other functions, such as AVERAGEIF/S, MAXIFS, MINIFS. They're all
Bananas
structured the same way, so once you get one formula written, you can just replace the Lemons
function name with the one you want. We've written all the functions you'll need for cell Apples
E106, so you can copy/paste these, or try to type them yourself for practice. Oranges
Bananas
SUMIF =SUMIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103) Lemons
SUMIFS =SUMIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106) Apples
AVERAGEIF =AVERAGEIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103) Oranges
AVERAGEIFS =AVERAGEIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D92,D106) Bananas
COUNTIF =COUNTIF(C92:C103,C106) Lemons
COUNTIFS =COUNTIFS(C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MAXIFS =MAXIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106) Fruit
MINIFS =MINIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106) Lemons

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 Item
than a given amount: Bread
Donuts
Sum up some ....Look through ...and if the Cookies
values based these cells... value is Cakes
on this greater than Pies
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.

Next step

More information on the web

All about the SUMIF function All about the SUMIFS function
All about the SUMIF function All about the SUMIFS function

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

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

ent from the other IF and IFS functions, in that they only have a criteria range, and criteria. TheyEXPERT
don't evalute
TIP one range, then look in anothe
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.

solution. 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
ruit and Type cells has
where you can select
ry 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.
 Let the Function Wizard guide you
Let the Function Wizard guide you
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
Select cell D10,
Next, enterIf the
you know the name of the function you want, but you're not sure how to build it, you
CHECK THIS can use the Function Wizard to help you out.
GOOD TO KNOWYou can type cell and range references, or select them with your mouse.
GOOD TO 1
Previous
Next
More information on the web
Overview of formulas in Excel
Excel functions2 (by category)
Excel functions (alphabetical)
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More information on the web

 Let the Function Wizard guide you
ou 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.

If you know the name of the function you want, but you're not sure how to build it, you Fruit
can use the Function Wizard to help you out. Apples
Oranges
1 Select cell D10, then go to Formulas > Insert Function > type VLOOKUP Bananas
in the Search for a function box, and press GO. When you see VLOOKUP Lemons
highlighted, click OK at the bottom. When you select a function in the list,
Excel will display its syntax. Apples

2 Next, enter the function arguments in their respective text boxes. As you enter
each one, Excel will evaluate it, and show you its result, with the final result at
the bottom. Press OK when you're done, and Excel will enter the formula for
you.

More information on the web

Overview of formulas in Excel

Excel functions (by category)

Excel functions (alphabetical)

Excel functions (alphabetical)

Free Excel training online

on 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.
 Fixing formula errors
Fixing formula errors
At some point in time, you'll run across a formula that has an error, which Excel will display with #ErrorName. Errors can be helpf
Error checking - Go to Formulas > Error Checking. This will load a dialog that will tell you the general cause for your specific error.
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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
 3

More information on the web

 Fixing formula errors
ome point in time, you'll run across a formula that has an error, which Excel will display with #ErrorName. Errors can be helpful, because they
Fruit
At some point in time, you'll run across a formula that has an error, which Excel will Apples
display with #ErrorName. Errors can be helpful, because they point out when something's Oranges
not working right, but they can be challenging to fix. Fortunately, there are several options Bananas
that can help you track down the source of the error, and fix it. Lemons

1 Error checking - Go to Formulas > Error Checking. This will load a dialog that
Apple
will tell you the general cause for your specific error. In cell D9, the #N/A error
is caused because there is no value matching "Apple". You can fix this by using
a value that does exist, suppress the error with IFERROR, or ignore it and know
it will go away when you do use a value that exists.

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.

Fruit
Apples
Oranges
Bananas
Lemons

Total

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
 3
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.

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

me. Errors can be helpful, because they point out when something's not working right, but they can be challenging to fix. Fortunately, there are
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 #NOM?

EXPERIMENT
What's wrong here? Hint: We're trying to SUM
up all the items.
challenging to fix. Fortunately, there are several options that can help you track down the source of the error, and fix it.
e error, and fix it.
More questions about Excel?
Press ALT+Q and type what you want to know.
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