Lesson 16: Working with Formulas and Functions

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Learning Objectives

After studying this lesson, you will be able to: Create formulas to calculate values, utilizing the proper

syntax and order of operations

Employ a variety of methods to use the IF logical function

and statistical functions that determine the sum, average,

count, maximum, and minimum of a range of numbers

Use relative, absolute, and mixed cell references in formulas

Modify and copy formulas

Display the formulas contained within cells rather

than the resulting values

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Formulas and Functions

Formula

Simply a math problem done in Excel

Function

Prewritten formula that helps simplify complex

procedures (for numbers and text)

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AutoSum

Automatically sums a column or row of numbers

Here, cell B9 was active and then the AutoSum

command was issued; Excel will propose to add

the numbers above the cell

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Status Bar Functions & Customization

Right-clicking on the status bar

displays a menu from which

you can add items to or delete

them from the Status Bar

Notice the functions

displayed on the status bar

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Creating Formulas

Start with “ = ”

Use cell and range references when possible

Arithmetic operators in formulas:

Addition: +

Subtraction: -

Multiplication: *

Division: /

Exponentiation: ^

Percent: %

Grouping: ( )

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Cell and Range References

Advantages:

When references are used, formulas can be copied to

other cells

Since a reference refers to a cell or a range of cells, the

formula results are automatically recalculated when the

data is changed in the referenced cell(s)

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Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally

Determines the order of operations in formulas:

Parentheses

Exponents

Multiplication

Division

Addition

Subtraction

Tip! To remember the order of operations, use the

pseudonym “Please excuse my dear Aunt Sally.”

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Using Cell References in Formulas

Relative: When you

copy a formula, the

cell references

update automatically

and refer to new cells relative to the new formula cell

Absolute: Absolute references always refer to the same

cell, regardless of which cell the formula is moved or

copied to

Note! Absolute cell references

are denoted with $ signs.

Relative cell reference

Absolute cell

reference

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Modifying Formulas

Can modify in one of two places:

Formula Bar

In cell

Notice the insertion

point in the active cell

(B6) that is being edited

Referenced cells are

outlined in various colors

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Copying Formulas

Copy and Paste

OR

AutoFill

If you use the fill handle, you can click the

AutoFill Options button to choose how to

copy or fill the information from the source to

destination cells

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Displaying Formulas

Choose to display formulas, rather than the resulting

values, in cells

Tip! Use the Show Formulas button ( ) to toggle

between displaying formulas and values

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Formula AutoComplete

Jumps into action once you type “ = ” and the

beginning letters of a function in a cell

Choose from the wide variety of functions

suggested by Formula AutoComplete

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The Function Wizard

Clicking the Insert Function button displays the Insert

Function dialog box

The Function Arguments dialog box allows you to determine

the cell or range of cells to be included in the function

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Creating Formulas with the IF Function

IF function displays a value or message based on a

logical test you design.

Lesson 16: Working with Formulas and Functions