Force Byte
Knowledge and Techniques
of Data Input in Excel (7)
Create Simple Mathematical Formulas
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Starting from this episode, I will introduce to you how to make use of arithmetic operators to execute simple calculations in the cells of Excel. First of all, you need to make yourself clear about the following common operators found in Excel:
Besides, when you input a formula into a cell, you should first put an equal sign ( = ) before it. If necessary, you can also make use of the parenthesis concept in your formula for calculation.
Let's take a look at the example below:
Calculate the average cases for "Robbery With Pistol Like Objects":
1. Select cell D4.
2. Input the formula "=(D2+D3)/2" into it (See the figure below).
There are various types of "built-in function" in Excel. You can easily create a formula and get what you expect by using them.
To use these functions, press the "Paste Function" button (
Use the SUM Function as the Example
Calculate the total cases of "Robbery With Pistol Like Objects":
1. Select cell D4.
2. Press the "Paste Function" button.
3. Choose "Most Recently Used" in the "Function category" field.
4. Choose "SUM" in the "Function name" field.
5. Press the "OK" button and the "SUM" box will appear.
6. Drag the box to where it does not block the main window screen.
7. Select range D2:D3 in the worksheet. You will then see this newly selected range in the "Number1" field of the box. At the same time, the result of the calculation will also be displayed in the "Formula result" field (See the circled area).
To let you have a deep understanding about the "built-in function", I will continue to elaborate on the "AVERAGE", "MAX" and "MIN" functions with examples next time.
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+ : addition operator
- : subtraction or negative operator, as appropriate
* : multiplication operator
/ : division operator
% : percentage operator
< : power operator
3. Press the <Enter> key to obtain the following result.
Use "Paste Function" to create a Formula
) on the main menu. Then you will see the "Paste Function" dialogue box (See the figure below).
The "Function category" field shows all the categories of built-in functions provided by the Function Wizard while the "Function name" field shows the functions provided by the "Function category" currently selected. Moreover, the name of the currently selected function and its use are also shown below the "Function category" field (See the circled area). From here, you can learn the use of all the functions.
8. Press the "OK" button to finish the job.