Excel is a powerful tool for working with numbers. It can perform calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You can create formulas to do these calculations automatically.

Mathematical Operators in Excel

Excel uses simple symbols for math operations:

• + for addition
• - for subtraction
• * for multiplication
• / for division
• ^ for exponents

Every formula in Excel starts with an equals sign (=). This tells Excel that the cell contains a formula.

Using Cell References in Formulas

Instead of typing numbers in formulas, you can use cell references. A cell reference is the address of a cell (like A1 or B2). This makes formulas more flexible. If you change the value in a referenced cell, the formula updates automatically.

For example, if you type =A1+A2 in A3, Excel will add the values from A1 and A2. When you press Enter, Excel calculates the result. If you change a number in A1 or A2, Excel updates the result in A3 automatically.

How to Create a Formula

Follow these steps to make a simple formula:

1. Select the cell where you want the result.
   
   
   
2. Type = to start the formula.
   
   
   
3. Click the first cell you want to use (e.g., D10).
   
   
   
4. Type the operator (+, -, *, /).
5. Click the second cell (e.g., D11).
   
   
   
6. Press Enter.
   
   
   

Excel will calculate the result and show it in the selected cell. If the column is too narrow, you may see ####### instead of the number. You can widen the column to fix this.

Editing a Formula

To change a formula:

1. Click the cell with the formula.
   
   
   
2. Click inside the formula bar or double-click the cell.
   
   
   
3. Edit the formula as needed.
   
   
   
4. Press Enter to save the changes.
   
   
   

If you make a mistake, you can press Esc to cancel the edit.

Using the Point-and-Click Method

Instead of typing cell references, you can select cells by clicking them. This method saves time.

1. Click the cell where you want the result.
   
   
   
2. Type =.
3. Click the first cell for the formula.
   
   
   
4. Type the operator (+, -, *, /).
5. Click the second cell.
   
   
   
6. Press Enter.
   
   
   

Copying Formulas with the Fill Handle

You can copy a formula to other cells using the fill handle. This is a small square at the bottom-right corner of a selected cell.

1. Click the cell with the formula.
   
   
   
2. Drag the fill handle over the cells where you want to copy the formula.
   
   
   
3. Release the mouse. Excel will copy the formula to the selected cells.

Showing All Formulas in a Spreadsheet

To see all formulas in your spreadsheet, press Ctrl + ` (grave accent). Press the same keys again to go back to the normal view.

By using formulas, you can quickly calculate values and update them as needed.