Unit 4, Lesson 3 Creating Worksheet Formulas
Objectives Understand formulas. Create a formula. Identify and correct formula errors. Use the AutoSum feature. Use the AutoFill command to enter formulas. Use absolute cell references. Audit formulas on the worksheet.
Vocabulary Absolute cell reference Argument Dependent cells Formula Function formula Mixed cell reference Mixed cell reference Operand Operator Order of evaluation Precedent cells Relative cell references
Mathematical Operation Operator Addition + (plus sign) Subtraction ― (minus sign) Multiplication * (asterisk) Division / (forward slash) Percent % (percent sign)
Formula Result =6+4*4 6+16=22 =6*4+2 24÷2=26 =6-4/2 6-2=4 =6/2+4 3+4=7 =(6+4+*4 10*4=40 =(6*4)-(10/2) 24-5+19
Cell references are color coded Formula bar Formula Cell references are color coded
Formula Result
Equal sign Function name Argument
Proposed formula
Smart tag
Summary One of the primary uses for Excel spreadsheets is to perform calculations. All formulas begin with =. If Excel cannot perform a calculation, an error value will display. You can use the Trace Error button to troubleshoot the problem.
Summary, continued The AutoSum feature enables you to quickly identify a range of cells and enter a formula. The AutoFill feature enables you to quickly copy formulas to adjacent cells, and the cell references are adjusted relative to the formula’s new location.
Summary, continued Format an absolute cell reference if you don’t want the cell reference to change when the formula is moved or copied to a new location. Displaying formulas in the worksheet can make it easier to view and proofread the formulas. Tracing the precedents and dependents of a formula make proofing formulas quicker and easier.