Explainations: Writing Excel Calculations

Step 1

Excel uses special symbols for Multiplication and Division. If you have a graphing calculator then you will recognize these symbols from there, as they are common to all computer math. The '*' can be found above the '8' on the keyboard, and the '/' above the '?'. They can also be found on the number pad.

Step 2

Besides changing a couple of symbols, Excel uses the same format for math as you are used to with paper and pencil. The normal blue symbols at the top are replaced with their Excel equivalents in red at the bottom.

Step 3

Use the '^' to raise a number to a power, and a capital 'E' to denote scientific notation. Excel uses the same order of operations common to all math, so use '()' around math that should be done first.

Step 4

The blue symbols on the left are replaced with their Excel equivalents in red on the right.

Step 5

To tell Excel that a cell has an equation in it, you must precede the equation with an '=', as shown.

Step 6

To put the value of a cell into another equation, use the Column Letter followed by the Row Number of the value you want to insert into the equation.