Formula

Updated: 05/01/2023 by Computer Hope
Function of x equals

A formula is an expression telling the computer what mathematical operation to perform upon a specific value. With computer software, formulas are used in spreadsheet programs, such as Microsoft Excel. Using formulas in spreadsheets can allow you to quickly make calculations and get totals of multiple cells, rows, or columns in a spreadsheet.

The picture below shows a Microsoft Excel formula =SUM(A$1:A$3), which adds cells A1, A2, and A3. In this formula, SUM is the function of the formula.

Formula in Microsoft Excel

Tip

Press the keyboard shortcut Shift+F3 to open the Excel Formula or Insert Function window.

Note

A formula is not be seen unless the cell is selected. If you want Excel or Google Sheets to always show the formulas instead of the values, use the shortcut Ctrl+`.

Absolute cell reference, Autosum, Formula bar, Lookup, Range, Relative cell reference, Spreadsheet terms, SUM, SUMIF, Whatif