Now that you know some of the basics, create your first spreadsheet; then you will be on your way to becoming a spreadsheet master.
Set up a worksheet
Information is entered into cells, cell addresses look like A1, B1, C3, D15.
Text is entered into a cell and is referred to as a "Label". Enter the text, then press either the ENTER key or an arrow key. When entering numbers, do not type the comma, the comma can be inserted by formatting, resulting in fewer possible typing errors. Numbers that represent money are right aligned and can also be formatted with a dollar sign, no need to type the dollar sign.
Formatting text, numbers and Page Format are very similar to word processing programs. The Formatting Toolbar will do most of your formatting needs.
Enter basic formulasUse the SUM Function.
First, type a column of numbers. Click in cell B3, type 123, hit ENTER, type 456, hit ENTER, type 789, then ENTER. Add the column by clicking in the cell below the last number (if you are not already there). Next, click on the “Σ” (backwards E) on the Standard Toolbar. This is the AutoSum icon. This formula will add the contents of cells B3 through B6.You should see a moving dotted line around cells B3 through B6, and =Sum(B3:B6) in the cell. Hit Enter and the answer should be 1368.
Always remember the "Calculation order":
1. Addition +
2. Subtraction –
3. Multiplication *
4. Division /
5. Calculations with parentheses, the parentheses will be performed first, even if they are at the end of the formula
Basic calculations should start with an "equal" sign. Calculations "usually" add the contents of a cell, rather than an actual number.
1. Addition = +B3+B4+B5+B6 – Add the contents of cells B3, Br, B5 and B6 and show the total
2. Subtraction = +B7-B6 – subtract the contents of cell B7 from the contents of B6
3. Multiplication = +B7*.1 – multiply the contents of cell B7 times 10%
4. Division = +B7/2 – divide the contents of cell B7 by 2
More complicated calculations
1. =(+B3+B4)-B5 – Add the contents of cells B3 and B4, then subtract the contents of cell B5
2. =(+B7-B6)/.5 – Subtract the contents of cell B6 from cell B7, then divide the answer by 50%
3. =+B7*C2 – Multiply the contents of cell B7 by the contents of cell C2
4. =+B7+500 – Add the contents of cell B7 and 500
Spreadsheets are used to track and compare numbers, create lists and graphs. Spreadsheets can also perform more advanced math and statistical formulas, scenarios, goal seeking, and even creating maps.
