Calculation Basics
Calculation
Basics
Calculation Basics
Excel is great at doing math. When Dan Bricklin conceived of the first
spreadsheet in 1978, he envisioned a calculator where you could set up a math
problem, but then scroll backwards in time and change the terms in the
problem to see a new answer. Along with Bob Frankston, he developed VisiCalc
- a Visible Calculator. Since VisiCalc in 1979, all spreadsheets have been able
to calculate.
This section will teach you the basic math operators and the functions
available for demonstrating classroom math.
There are at least three common methods of entering formulas. In the first
three examples below, you will learn these three methods of entering formulas.
You can then choose whichever method is the easiest for you.
Using the Touch-Typing Method (Addition)
Figure 1 shows a story problem. You want to enter a formula in cell B6 that
will add cells B4 and B5.
- Start your formula with an equals sign.
With the mouse, single click in cell B6 to move the cellpointer to that cell.
Every formula must start with an equals sign, so type the equals sign to
start entering the formula.
Figure 1
Solving an addition story problem
in Excel with touch-typing