1. Understanding Spreadsheets
Functions
Cell References

2. Function -- is built-in formula that is a shortcut for common calculations.
Cell Reference – is the column heading and the row number. An example of cell reference / address is B2, C12, G4, A1.

3. Identifying Parts of a Function
=SUM(B2:B6)
Name of function
Equal sign
Range
This function would add all the values in cells B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6.
Change the function from SUM to MAX, MIN, or AVERAGE to find.
Use this to help you answer questions 20 – 23.

4. Basic Spreadsheet Functions
Functions are mathematical shortcuts the software performs.
All Functions begin with an equal sign =
When the equal sign [or in some cases a plus sign(+)] is keyed in a cell, the software “knows” that the data will be used in a calculation.

5. Relative and Absolute Referencing
Cells that change when they are copied into other cells
By default cell references are relative
Absolute
Cells that do not change regardless of where it is copied
Cells that are Absolute references are displayed with the dollar sign before and after the column
When calculating overtime pay we used the function: =(C7*1.5)*F7. If we used an absolute cell for our overtime pay we would use the following function: =(C7*$K$2)*F7. Where $K$2 would contain 1.5. If you changed the value in K2 from 1.5 to 1 it would be reflected throughout overtime pay.

6. Mixed Cell Reference =$H8 OR =F$4
The dollar signs ($) around the first part of the formula force Excel to indicate that a column letter or row number is to remain fixed when copied from one cell to another.

7. Examples of Functions Function Name Description
AVERAGE Averages the values together in a range of cells.
COUNT Counts the number of cells in a range.
IF Specifies a logical test to perform, then performs one action if test result in true and another if it is not true.
MAX Finds the maximum value in a range of cells
MIN Finds the minimum value in a range of cells
ROUND Rounds a number to a specific number of digits.
SUM This addition function totals (adds) a range of cells.

8. More Examples of FunctionsB C D E 1 2 3 4 5
Looking at this spreadsheet, how could you write a function to add all of the values in Row 3?
Function to Use: SUM
Cell Addresses to Use: A3, B3, C3, D3 (notice how they all end in 3!)
ANSWER: =SUM(A3:D3)