1. To create a formula, you must always start with an = sign.
   
   
2. Common operators are:
   
   

   * multiply
/ divide
- minus
+ addition
() grouping (parens must always be used in pairs)



3. Algebra rules apply:
   
   

   Minus times a minus = a positive
Plus times a minus = a negative

If you use multiple operators in one equation,
group operations using to ensure that your
operations are performed in the correct order.



4. Here are examples of simple formulas you can create in Excel:
   
   

   Formula Input	Result
   =4*4	16
   =4+4	8
   =4/4	1
   =4*(4+4)	32
   =4-4	0
   =4*-4	-16

   
   
   
5. You can create formulas that reference just numbers or cells & numbers or just cells.
   
   

   Type	Example
   Just Numbers	=4+4+4+4
   Cells & Numbers	=4+B5
   Cells	=B5+B5

   
   
   
6. Excel is capable of adding up a range of cells. The easiest way to do this is to use the AutoSum tool . AutoSum will take its best guess at what it thinks you want to sum up. If it guesses incorrectly, you can just adjust its assumptions. AutoSum is smart enough to tally up groups of sub-totals, which is pretty cool.
   
   
7. When you use AutoSum, Excel creates a formula in the relevant cell that looks something like this:
   
   

   =sum(B10:F10)

   This simply means Excel is summing the values in cells B10 though F10. The words sum in this equation is known as a function. Excel has a plethora of functions beyond sum. Here is a list of the more frequently used functions:
   
   

   Function	Use
   =average()	Calculates an average for a range of cells
   =count()	Counts the number of numeric entries in a range
   =max()	Returns the maximum value in a range of cells
   =min()	Returns the minimum value in a range of cells
   =now()	Returns the current date & time

   
   
   If you want to do something mathematic, Excel probably has a pre-written function that can help you achieve your goal.
   
   
8. Sometimes you inherit a spreadsheet from someone else. Understanding other people's spreadsheets is always difficult. One trick I have learned is to use the F2-key to help audit/understand formulas. Simply select the formula in question and press F2. As best as possible, Excel will try to show you what the formula is doing.
   
   
   
   
9. For "quick-sum" or an "informal-tally" highlight numbers with mouse and look in lower right corner of Excel (status bar) for a "quick sum".
   
   
   
   

[On to Text in Excel]

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