This document provides an overview of working with formulas and functions in Excel. It covers creating formulas using cell references and arithmetic operators, as well as functions like IF, SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX and MIN. It discusses relative and absolute cell references in formulas, modifying, copying and displaying formulas, and using features like AutoSum, formula autocomplete and the insert function tool. The goal is for users to be able to create formulas and use functions to calculate values and determine properties of cell ranges.

1. Lesson 4: Working with Formulas
and Functions

2. Learning Objectives
 After studying this lesson, you will be able to:
 Create formulas to calculate values, utilizing correct
syntax and order of operations
 Create IF and statistical functions to determine the sum,
average, count, maximum, and minimum of a range of
numbers
 Use relative, absolute, and mixed cell references in
formulas
 Modify and copy formulas
 Display the formulas contained within cells rather
than the resulting values2

3. 3
Formulas and Functions
 Formula
 Simply a math problem done in Excel
 Function
 Prewritten formula that helps simplify complex
procedures (for numbers and text)

4. AutoSum
 Automatically sums a column or row of numbers
4
Here, cell I16 was active and then the AutoSum
command was issued; Excel will propose to add
the numbers above the cell.

5. 5
Status Bar Functions & Customization
Right-clicking on the status bar
displays a menu from which
you can add items to or delete
them from the Status Bar
Notice the functions
displayed on the status bar

6. 6
Creating Formulas
 Start with “ = ”
 Combine values and/or cell references with
mathematical operators to produce a result.
 Use cell and range references when possible.

7. 7
Cell and Range References
 Advantages:
 When references are used, formulas can be copied to
other cells.
 Since a reference refers to a cell or a range of cells, the
formula results are automatically recalculated when the
data is changed in the referenced cell(s).

8. 8
Arithmetic Operators
 Arithmetic operators in formulas:
 Addition: +
 Subtraction: -
 Multiplication: *
 Division: /
 Exponentiation: ^
 Percent: %
 Grouping: ( )

9. 9
Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally
 Determines the order of operations in formulas:
 Parentheses
 Exponents
 Multiplication
 Division
 Addition
 Subtraction
Tip! To remember the order of operations, use the
pseudonym “Please excuse my dear Aunt Sally.”

10. Cell References in Formulas Ex04.9
 Video
10

11. 11
Using Cell References in Formulas
 Relative: When you
copy a formula, the
cell references
update automatically
and refer to new cells relative to the new formula cell.
 Absolute: Absolute references always refer to the same
cell, regardless of which cell the formula is moved or
copied to.
Note! Absolute cell references are denoted with $ signs.
Relative cell reference
Absolute cell
reference

12. 12
Modifying Formulas
 Can modify in one of two places:
 Formula Bar
 In cell
Notice the insertion
point in the active cell
(B6) that is being
edited.
Referenced cells are
outlined in various
colors.

13. 13
Copying Formulas
 Copy and Paste
 OR
 AutoFill
If you use the fill handle, you can click the
AutoFill Options button to choose how to
copy or fill the information from the source
to destination cells.

14. Displaying Formulas
 Choose to display formulas, rather than the resulting
values, in cells
14
Tip! Use the Show Formulas button to toggle between
displaying formulas and values.

15. Formula AutoComplete
 Jumps into action once you type “ = ” and the beginning
letters of a function in a cell
15
Choose from the wide variety of functions suggested by Formula
AutoComplete.

16. Insert Function
 Clicking the Insert Function button displays the Insert
Function dialog box
16
The Function Arguments dialog box allows you to determine
the cell or range of cells to be included in the function.

17. 17
Creating Formulas with the IF Function
 IF function displays a value or message based on a
logical test you design.

18. Lesson 4: Working with Formulas
and Functions