Datasheet

20
Part I: Putting the Fun in Functions
We use the word return to refer to what displays after a formula or function
does its thing. So to say the formula returns a 7 is the same as saying the for-
mula calculated the answer to be 7.
Table 1-1 Basic Formulas
Formula What It Does
=2 + 2
Returns the number 4.
=A1 + A2
Returns the sum of the values in cells A1 and A2, whatever
those values may be. If either A1 or A2 has text in it, then
an error is returned.
=D5
The cell that contains this formula ends up displaying the
value that is in cell D5. If you try to enter this formula into
cell D5 itself, you create a circular reference. That is a
no-no. See Chapter 4.
=SUM(A2:A5)
Returns the sum of the values in cells A2, A3, A4, and A5.
Recall from above the syntax for a range. This formula uses
the SUM function to sum up all the values in the range.
Entering your first formula
Ready to enter your first formula? Make sure Excel is running and a work-
sheet is in front of you, and then:
1. Click an empty cell.
2. Type this in: = 10 + 10.
3. Press Enter.
That was easy, wasn’t it? You should see the result of the formula — the
number 20.
Try another. This time you create a formula that adds together the value of
two cells:
1. Click any cell.
2. Type in any number.
3. Click another cell.
4. Type in another number.
05_568163-ch01.indd 2005_568163-ch01.indd 20 4/2/10 1:37 PM4/2/10 1:37 PM