Create Basic Formulas

Formulas are used to calculate answers based on mathematical equations that you create. When creating formulas, you may use:

• Actual values (=7*5)
• Cell addresses (=C4 +D4 +B25)
  
• A combination of the two (=8*C17)

The equal sign (=) indicates a formula entry. This also ensures that formulas beginning with a cell address are not mistaken for text.
When entering these formulas, the following operators are used:

Addition +
Subtraction -
Multiplication *
Division /

When a cell contains a formula, the actual cell reflects the result of that formula, and the formula appears in the formula bar.

To enter a formula:

1. Click in the cell where you want to enter the formula.
2. Type = (or Click the F(x) button to the left of the formula bar).
3. Click on the first cell used in the argument.
4. Enter the appropriate operator (+, -, *, /).
5. Repeat with additional cell addresses / operators as appropriate.
6. Press Enter.

For example, if you want to multiply the value in cell B3 by the value of cell C3, your formula (in D3) would be =SUM(B3*C3).