Excel formulas for beginners: the 12 you need first
The basic Excel formulas every beginner needs, in the order to learn them: +, SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, ROUND, percentages, IF and $. Each with an example and free practice.
Every formula starts with an = sign. It tells Excel: work this out.
keyboard Typing formulas is easiest on a computer with a keyboard.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calculation | Formula | |
| 2 | 42 + 11 | ||
| 3 | 66 - 35 | ||
| 4 | 12 × 5 | ||
| 5 | 72 ÷ 6 | ||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 | |||
| 11 | |||
| 12 |
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.
+ add and - subtract* multiply (a star, not ×)/ divide (a slash, not ÷)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.
The basic Excel formulas every beginner needs, in the order to learn them: +, SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, ROUND, percentages, IF and $. Each with an example and free practice.
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