Brackets and the order of calculation

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Excel multiplies * and divides / before it adds + or subtracts -. So =2+3*4 is 14, not 20.

keyboard Typing formulas is easiest on a computer with a keyboard.

A1
ABCDE
1PriceDiscountQtyTotal
26856
389254
467205
590155
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Type to enter a value or a formula starting with =. F2 edits, F4 adds $ to a reference.
Study notes

In a bit more detail

  • Does Excel work from left to right?

    No. It does multiplying and dividing before adding and subtracting, like in maths class.

  • What difference do brackets make?

    • =2+3*4 is 14: first 3*4 = 12, then 2 + 12.
    • =(2+3)*4 is 20: the brackets go first, 2 + 3 = 5, then 5*4.

    When a part must be worked out first, put it in brackets.

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