Basic Calculations

• Select the cell where you want to see the result;
• Type an equals sign (=) — this signals to the spreadsheet that you are starting to write a formula;
• Enter the numbers, cell references, or ranges you want to use;
• Specify the operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc.) or function;
• Press Enter to see the result.

Using Elements in Formulas

• Numbers: You can directly enter numbers. For example, the formula =5+3 will return the result 8;
• Cell References: Refer to values in other cells. The formula =A2+B2 adds the values in cells A2 and B2;
• Ranges: You can specify ranges of cells to use in calculations, like SUM(A1:A3);
• Dates: Formulas support working with dates, including adding, subtracting, and converting them. For example, the formula =TODAY() returns the current date, and =A1+7 adds 7 days to the date in cell A1;
• Functions: Use built-in functions to perform calculations, process text, analyze data, or work with logic. For example:
  • SUM(A1:A3) adds the values in the range;
  • IF(A1>10, "Large", "Small") checks a condition and returns one of two values;
  • YEAR(A1) extracts the year from the date in A1.

Automating Formula Updates

When you copy a formula to another cell:

• Cell references in the formula automatically change to the corresponding new cells;
• For example, if the formula =A2+B2 is in C2 and you drag it down, the formula in C3 will become =A3+B3.

Example Usage