Your first formula

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Every formula starts with an = sign. It tells Excel: work this out.

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

A1
ABC
1CalculationFormula
242 + 11
366 - 35
412 × 5
572 ÷ 6
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
formulas go here
Type to enter a value or a formula starting with =. F2 edits, F4 adds $ to a reference.
Study notes

In a bit more detail

  • What is a formula?

    A formula tells Excel to work something out. Every formula starts with an equals sign, =. Without it, Excel just stores what you typed as text.

  • Which signs do the maths?

    • + add and - subtract
    • * multiply (a star, not ×)
    • / divide (a slash, not ÷)
  • Where do you see the formula?

    After you press Enter, the cell shows the answer. Click the cell again and the formula bar at the top shows the formula behind it.

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