1. Understanding Spreadsheets
Cell Data
Formulas
Operations

2. Cell Data -- is classified according to its intended purpose.

3. Cell Data Classifications
Labels — the classification used for cells that contain text or for numbers that will not be used in calculations
Examples: John Jones (text)
Dates, such as 1/03/2009 (considered as text)
Social Security #
Phone #
ZIP Code (a number, but will not be calculated)
Using an apostrophe ‘
Type an apostrophe (‘) before a number to make that entry recognized as a label (the ‘ does not show when you press enter). Example: ‘27613
(Put ‘ so the ZIP Code is recognized as a label or text, not a value, by the computer)

4. Cell Data Classifications
Values — the classification indicating that the data has the potential to be used in calculations
Example: 150
Cell Alignment for these classifications:
Labels align at the left side of the cell
Values align at the right side of the cell

5. Data Types Examples
Formula Bar
Value
Formula
Label

6. Basic Spreadsheet Formulas
Formulas instruct the software to perform a calculation.
All Formulas 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.

7. Basic Spreadsheet Formulas
Formulas use the following:
Addition
Division
Multiplication
Subtraction
These Math Operators are used in formulas
(performing Math Operations):
+ for Addition - for Subtraction
* for Multiplication / for Division

8. Basic Spreadsheet Formulas
Examples of basic formulas:
if using Cells B7 and C7:
Addition =B7+C7
Subtraction =B7-C7
Multiplication =B7*C7
Division =B7/C7

9. Order of Operations
Calculations are performed according to the Order of Operations.
(which means, they calculate in a specific order)
To remember the Order Of Operations:
remember PEMDAS—Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally
P parentheses performs operations on the items enclosed in (parentheses) first
E exponentiation ^
M multiplication * (from left to right)
D division /
A addition + (from left to right)
S subtraction -
Excel Obj SS Formulas Ppt. #2

10. Order of Operation Example
=(A8+C9)/(H8-L9)
The parentheses around the first part of the formula force Excel to calculate (A8+C9) first. then calculate (H8-L9),
then divide the 2 results.
A8 = 10
C9 = 2
H8 = 7
L9 = 1
=(10+2)/(7-1)
=12/6 =2
SOLVE!!

11. You can see this screen containing formulas by holding the Ctrl key and tapping the ` (tilde/accent) key. Repeat Ctrl + ` to return to the normal Excel screen view.

12. Components of a Function
A basic function is a shortcut for a formula.
Components of a Function
Cell reference – indicates a cell’s location and provides instructions for how cell data is copied or used in calculations.
Relative - cell value changes as the formula is copied
Absolute - cell value remains static when copied to other locations
Mixed - combination of an absolute and a relative cell
Parentheses – control the Order of Operations
Conditions or criteria tell the function how to calculate the results and what data to use.

13. Functions
Functions
Sum, for example, =Sum(C4:C18) adds the range of cells from C4 through C18
Average, for example, =Average(C4:C18) determines the average of the range of cells from C4 through C18
Maximum, for example, =Max(C4:C18) finds the highest number in the range of cells from C4 through C18
Minimum, for example, =Min(C4:C18) finds the lowest number in the range of cells from C4 through C18