Microsoft Office 2000
Lesson 3: Excel 2000 (Part 1)
Entering and Using Formulas
To get the most from Excel you will want to become familiar with formulas and functions. Once you understand the structure of basic formulas and functions you can begin to unleash the power of Excel.
Formulas allow you to perform various types of calculations. Formulas are comprised of cell addresses and commands. Below is a list of types of calculations and commands.
- addition +
- subtraction -
- multiplication *
- division /
- percent %
- exponent ^
Always look at the formula bar to see the formula of the current cell.
Using functions
Excel contains many built-in formulas known as functions.
Functions consist of:
- = sign
- a command
- an argument (the data required to perform the function)
Functions are entered in the following format:
- = SUM(B5:B7)
The most frequently used functions are the SUM and AVERAGE functions. The SUM function is used to add numbers in a range of cells. The AVERAGE function is used to average numbers in a range of cells.
Let’s enter some numbers into cells A1, B1, C1, D1 and E1. Then we'll add the data from cells A1, B1, C1, D1 and E1 and place the result in F1. After you have entered some numbers into those cells, continue with the exercise below to practice the SUM and AVERAGE functions.
To add a column or row of numbers using the SUM function:
- Type the following formula in cell F1:
=SUM(A1:E1) - Press Enter
- Notice the sum of the numbers listed in cells A1, B1, C1, D1 and E1 is displayed in cell F1 and the formula is displayed in the formula bar.
To average a column or row of numbers using the AVERAGE function:
-
Type the following formula in cell F1:
=AVERAGE(A1:E1) - Press Enter
Go ahead and delete the formula in cell F1 in preparation for the next exercise.
To quickly add the contents of cells, use the AutoSum button.
To add a row or column of cells using the AutoSum button:
- Highlight all the cells in the range (e.g. A1, B1, C1, D1, E1)
- Click the AutoSum button
In the above example, you should see the sum of the cells A1 through E1 listed in cell F1. Isn't that great? Much better than using a calculator!
Using relative cell references
When you copy and paste cells that have formulas into a new location, the formulas are automatically adjusted to reflect their new locations.
Using absolute cell references
Sometimes you want to retain the original cell references when you copy and paste cells into a new location. To retain the original cell references you will need to fix the formula into place.
To fix the formula in a cell:
- Click in the formula bar between the column and row reference
- Press the F4 key
If you wish to learn more about functions and formulas, read the chapter Entering Data and Formulas in Microsoft Office 2000 for Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide pp. 121 - 137.
For additional information on this topic browse Chapter 6 Beyond Excel Basics and Chapter 7 Taking Excel to the Max in Microsoft Office 2000 User Specialist Study Guide.
Congratulations! In this lesson you have learned to use the essential features of Microsoft Excel 2000 including parts of the Excel screen; creating, editing, saving and printing worksheets and workbooks; and entering and using formulas.
Lesson 3 Bibliography:
- Microsoft Office 2000 for Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide pp. 118-119
- Table 11.1 Keyboard Shortcuts for Moving Within a Worksheet in Microsoft Office 2000 for Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide p. 123
- Browse Chapter 5 Editing Excel Worksheets in Microsoft Office 2000 User Specialist Study Guide
- Entering Data and Formulas in Microsoft Office 2000 for Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide pp. 121–137
- Browse Chapter 6 Beyond Excel Basics and Chapter 7 Taking Excel to the Max in Microsoft Office 2000 User Specialist Study Guide
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