5.6.2 Creating Simple Formula

5.6.2.1 Components Of A Formula

There are two essential components of a formula – the Arithmetic Operators and Cell References. More complex Formulas can also include number and functions. Excel has a large number of in-built functions to help you performing specialized calculations.

5.6.2.2 Display The Current Date

Excel includes a function called as TODAY, which will insert the current date in your worksheet.

a)    Select any cell in the current worksheet say C3.

b)    Type =TODAY().{the function names can be typed in either case, as you pres ENTER the names are converted automatically into uppercase if they are spelled correctly.}

c)    Press ENTER. The formula inserts the current system data in your worksheet.

5.6.2.3 Using arguments

Majority of formulas that you create will require more than jut a function name. At times you may need to include cell references or values to complete the formula. These additional elements are called Arguments.

Lets take a simple example, you have used AutoSum function to sum a range of cells. The formula was broken down into the function (=SUM) that determines what the formula does and the argument (B7:E7) that determines which cells are used.  Arguments usually appear within parentheses, such as in the sum formula =SUM(B7:E7). Rather, whenever you use a function, you must have parentheses, even if you do not require any arguments, such as when you entered the TODAY function = TODAY()

Certain functions, such as many statistical or financial functions require more than one arguments. In this case the arguments are separated by commas.

5.6.3 Using the Function Wizard to Create Formulas

Now, we will average the sales of a company for the whole year by using Function Wizard.

1.    Select the cell on which you want to perform the function.

2.    Next click the Function Wizard button on Standard Toolbar. The function wizard opens.

3.    In the Function category list, select statistical. A list of Statistical function appears in the function name box.

4.    In the Function Name box: select Average.

5.    Click on the OK Button. The next step in the function Wizard appears.

6.    Click the Function Wizard dialog box and drag the dialog box upward on your screen. Select the range you want to average on the worksheet.

7.    Next, click in the Number 1 box. Drag to select cell F7:F12 in the worksheet.

8.    Click on OK Button and see the result.

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