Key Points For Students - Google Sheets - Introducing Spreadsheets
Key Points For Students - Google Sheets - Introducing Spreadsheets
Basic formulae
Formula are entered by clicking on the cell where the formula is required and then typing.
All formulae begin with an equals sign = .
Cell references (such as A1, B2) are used to identify the cells containing values to be used,
and the operators +, -, * and / are used.
The formula in a cell can also be edited by selecting the cell and then clicking in the formula
bar.
Cell references
A relative cell reference will change when it is copied or replicated to another cell.
An absolute cell reference is created by adding a dollar sign $ in front of the column
reference, row reference or both. This fixes the reference so that it does not change when it
is replicated.
Functions
Functions are pre-programmed into spreadsheets to enable longer and more complex
calculations to be performed easily. Functions always begin with an equals sign = followed by
the function name.
The functions that you will use through this unit include:
Function Use
SUM Adds up the values in a range of cells.
AVERAGE Works out the average value of a range of cells.
MAX Finds the largest value in a range of cells.
MIN Finds the smallest value in a range of cells.
Is used to return one value if something is True and another value if
IF
something is False. It is used in decision making.
COUNTIF Counts how many cells in a range contain a specific value.
COUNT Counts the number of cells in a range that contain a number.
Counts the number of cells in a range that contain a value (text or a
COUNTA
number).
Formatting
Formatting is used to make a spreadsheet easier to read and to highlight important
information and values. The formatting tools are found in the ribbon.
Conditional formatting will automatically change the appearance of a cell depending on the
value it contains.
In Google Sheets, conditional formatting is applied by selecting the cells concerned, right-
clicking and selecting ‘Conditional Formatting’ from the list. It can also be applied via the
‘Format’ tab at the top of the screen.
Goal Seek
Goal seek allows you to see how changing one value in a formula affects another.
Google Sheets does not have a built-in function for goal seek. However, an extension is
available that can be added by going to ‘Extensions’ and selecting ‘Add-ons’ and then ‘Get
add-ons’.
Once a suitable extension has been chosen it will appear in the list when the ‘Extensions’ tab
is clicked.