Ms. Hall Spring Functions

Excel – Lesson 4 Summarizing Data with Functions A function is a predefined formula that performs a calculation. When you apply a function to specific data, you eliminate the time involved in manually constructing a formula. Using functions ensures the accuracy of the formula’s results.

Excel – Lesson 4 Summarizing Data with Functions A function consists of a function name, function arguments, and specified syntax. The arguments are enclosed in parentheses in the formula. – This lets Excel know where the formula begins and where it ends. Depending on the function, an argument can be a constant value, a single-cell reference, a range of cells, or even another function. – If a function contains multiple arguments, the arguments are separated by commas.

Excel – Lesson 4 Using SUM The SUM feature adds up a range of cells. – Adding a range of cells is one of the most common calculations performed on worksheet data. A Quicker Way- AutoSum is a built-in feature of Excel that recognizes adjacent cells in rows and columns as the logical selection to perform the AutoSum.

Excel – Lesson 4 Using COUNT Use the COUNT function to count the number of numeric entries in a range. – For example, in a worksheet used to calculate wages, you can apply the COUNT function to determine how many of the employees have worked over 40 hours in a work week.

Excel – Lesson 4 Using AVERAGE The AVERAGE function adds a range of cells and then divides by the number of cell entries. – For example, I would use the AVERAGE function to find the class Average was on our Formulas Quiz.

Excel – Lesson 4 Using MIN and MAX The MIN formula returns the smallest number in a set of values. – For example, I would use the MIN function to determine the lowest test score. The MAX function returns the largest value in a set of values. – For example, I would use the MAX function to determine the highest score.

Excel – Lesson 4 Entering Functions If you know the function you want to enter, you can click the appropriate category button in the Functions Library group on the Formulas tab of the Ribbon. If you do not know which function you need to use, you can use the Insert Function dialog box to find a specific function. – In the Search For Function box, type a brief description of what you want to do. Then, click Go. 8

Excel – Lesson 4 Entering Functions Formula AutoComplete helps you enter a formula with a valid function name and arguments. – As you begin to type the function name, a list of function names appears below the active cell. Once you have found the formula you want to use by using Formula AutoComplete double click the name of the function. – This will allow you to access a Screen Tip to guide you in entering the necessary arguments. 9

Excel – Lesson 4 Summary A function is a predefined formula that performs a calculation. The SUM feature adds up a range of cells. Use the COUNT function to count the number of numeric entries in a range. Pasewark & PasewarkMicrosoft Office 2007: Introductory 10

Excel – Lesson 4 Summary The AVERAGE function adds a range of cells and then divides by the number of cell entries. The MIN formula returns the smallest number in a set of values. The MAX function returns the largest value in a set of values. Pasewark & PasewarkMicrosoft Office 2007: Introductory 11