Get Started With Formulas: Let's Go
Get Started With Formulas: Let's Go
Go back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To start the tour, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
constants
aren't a good
practice. Why?
Because you
can't easily
see the
constant
without
selecting the
cell
You Basics: doing math with Excel
anddoing math with Excel
Basics:
can for
looking Add,it. Subtract, Multiply, and Divide in Excel without using any built-in functions. You just need to use some basic opera
That canselect
To Add, makecell F3, type =C3+C4, then press Enter.
it hard to
change later.You can Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide in Excel without using any built-in functions.
To
To Subtract,
It's muchYouselect
Multiply, select cell
cell F4, type
type =C3-C4, then press
press Enter.
just needF5, to use =C3*C4,
some basicthenoperators:
Enter.+, -, *, /. All formulas start with an equals (=)
easier to put
To Divide,sign.select cell F6, type =C3/C4, then press Enter.
your constants
in cells, where
Check
they can thisbeout: change the numbers in cells C3 and C4, and watch the formula results automatically change.
adjusted, and1
easily
EXTRA CREDIT: You can raise a value to a power by using the carat (^) symbol, like =A1^A2. Enter it with Shift+6. In cell F7, ente
Dive down for
referenced in more detail
your
Next formulas.
step
More
Excel
For made2
isabout
example:
formulas, cells, and
up of individual ranges
cells that are grouped into rows and columns. Rows are numbered, and columns are lettered. Th
Select the
yellow cell that in our third example above, we used the SUM function. A function is a pre-built command that takes a value
You'll notice
with 12 below.
Formulas
You'll see with
3
we functions start with an equals sign, then the function name follows with its arguments (the values a function us
used the SUM
function with
a range of
Some
cells. Weformula 4 explanations
=10*20type
didn't is a in
formula, where 10 and 20 are constants, and the * sign is the operator.
"4" or "8"
=SUM(A1:A10) is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formula argum
directly into
=SUM(A1:A10,C1:C10)
the formula. is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formul
Dive down for more detail
Previous
Next
More information on the web
More about formulas, cells, and ranges
Use Excel as a calculator
OverviewExcel
of formulas
is madeinupExcel
of individual cells that are grouped into rows and columns. Rows are
Excel functions (by category)
numbered, and columns are lettered. There are over 1 million rows and 16,000 columns,
and you can put formulas in any of them.
Excel functions (alphabetical)
Formulas
Free Excel can contain cell references, ranges of cell references, operators, and constants.
training online
The following are all examples of formulas:
=A1+B1
=10*20
=SUM(A1:A10)
You'll notice that in our third example above, we used the SUM function. A function is a
pre-built command that takes a value or values, calculates them in a certain way, and
returns a result. For instance, the SUM function takes the cell references or ranges you
specify, and totals them. In this example it takes the cells A1 through A10, and totals
them. Excel has over 400 functions, which you can explore on the Formulas tab.
Formulas with functions start with an equals sign, then the function name follows with its
arguments (the values a function uses to calculate) wrapped in parentheses.
You confirm a formula by pressing Enter. Once you do that the formula will calculate, and
the result will be displayed in the cell. To see the formula itself, you can look at the
formula bar beneath the Ribbon, or press F2 to enter Edit mode, where you'll see the
formula in the cell. Press Enter again to finalize the formula and calculate the result.
Previous
ck this out: change the numbers in cells C3 and C4, and watch the formula results automatically change.
RA CREDIT:1 YouTocanAdd,
raiseselect cell
a value toF3, type =C3+C4,
a power then
by using the press
carat Enter. like =A1^A2. Enter it with Shift+6. In cell F7, enter =C3^C4.
(^) symbol,
e down for more detail
made2
re isabout To Subtract,
formulas, cells, and select
ranges cell F4, type =C3-C4, then press Enter.
el up of individual cells that are grouped into rows and columns. Rows are numbered, and columns are lettered. There are over 1 m
ll notice that in our third example above, we used the SUM function. A function is a pre-built command that takes a value or values, calcul
3 functions
mulas with
To Multiply, select cell F5, type =C3*C4, then press Enter.
start with an equals sign, then the function name follows with its arguments (the values a function uses to calculate) w
me formula 4 explanations
To Divide, select cell F6, type =C3/C4, then press Enter.
*20 is a formula, where 10 and 20 are constants, and the * sign is the operator.
M(A1:A10) is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formula arguments, and A1:A1
M(A1:A10,C1:C10) is a formula, where SUM is the function name, the opening and closing parentheses contain the formula arguments, an
Next step
Dive down for more detail
You'll notice that in our third example above, we used the SUM function. A function is a
pre-built command that takes a value or values, calculates them in a certain way, and
returns a result. For instance, the SUM function takes the cell references or ranges you
specify, and totals them. In this example it takes the cells A1 through A10, and totals
them. Excel has over 400 functions, which you can explore on the Formulas tab. =SUM(A
Formulas with functions start with an equals sign, then the function name follows with its A range of cells has
ending cell. When y
arguments (the values a function uses to calculate) wrapped in parentheses.
formula, Excel will
You confirm a formula by pressing Enter. Once you do that the formula will calculate, and
the result will be displayed in the cell. To see the formula itself, you can look at the
formula bar beneath the Ribbon, or press F2 to enter Edit mode, where you'll see the
formula in the cell. Press Enter again to finalize the formula and calculate the result.
Previous Next
=SUM(A
More information on the web Opening p
the formula arguments, and A1:A10 is the cell range for the function.
contain the formula arguments, and A1:A10,C1:C10 are the cell ranges for the function separated by a comma.
GOOD TO KNOW
Operator Operator Constants are values that you enter in
formulas. While =10+20 might calcul
=SUM(A1:A10,C1:C10)
A range of cells Another range of cells
O KNOW
are values that you enter in cells or
While =10+20 might calculate the
=A1+B1, constants aren't a good
Why? Because you can't easily see the
without selecting the cell and looking for
n make it hard to change later. It's
ier to put your constants in cells, where
be easily adjusted, and referenced in
ulas.
Values
4
8
12
ents
When you start typing a function name after you press =, Excel will launch Intellisense,
which will list all of the functions starting with the letters you type. When you find the one
you want, press Tab, and Excel will automatically finish the function name and enter the
opening parenthesis for you. It will also display the optional and required arguments.
Now let's look at the anatomy of a few functions. The SUM function is structured like this:
If the SUM function could talk, it would say, "Return the sum of all the values in cells D38
to D41, and all of column H".
Back to top
When you start typing a function name after you press =, Excel will launch Intellisense,
which will list all of the functions starting with the letters you type. When you find the one
you want, press Tab, and Excel will automatically finish the function name and enter the
opening parenthesis for you. It will also display the optional and required arguments.
Now let's look at the anatomy of a few functions. The SUM function is structured like this:
=SUM(D38:D41,H:H)
If the SUM function could talk, it would say, "Return the sum of all the values in cells D38
to D41, and all of column H".
=TODAY()
Back to top
Next step
EXTRA CREDIT
Try the COUNT function using
any of the methods you've
already tried. The COUNT
function counts the number of
cells in a range that contain
numbers.
Fruit Amount
Apples 50 CHECK THIS OUT
Oranges 20 Select these cells. Then in the lower-right
Bananas 60 corner of the Excel window, look for this:
Lemons 40
SUM > 170
That's called the Status Bar, and it's just
another way to quickly find a total and other
details about a selected cell or range.
Item Amount
Cars 20
Trucks 10
Bikes 10
Skates 40
IMPORTANT DETAIL
Double-click this cell. You'll notice the 100
toward the end. Although it's possible to put
numbers in a formula like this, we don't
recommend it unless it's absolutely necessary.
This is known as a constant, and it's easy to
forget that it's there. We recommend referring
to another cell instead, like cell F51. That way
it's easily seen and not hidden inside a formula.
EXTRA CREDIT
Previous
Try using Next
CHECK THIS
MEDIAN or
OUT
MODE here.
AVERAGE function
AVERAGE
Select
functionany
range of gives
MEDIAN
Use the AVERAGE
numbers, then function to get the average of numbers in a range of cells.
you the value
Select
look cell D7,the
theUse
in theinmiddle then use AutoSum
AVERAGE to to
function add anthe
get AVERAGE
average function.
of numbers in a range of cells.
Status
of the Bar
data for
Now select cell G7, and enter an AVERAGE function by typing =AVERAGE(G3:G6).
an instant
set, while
In D15,1you can use either AutoSum, or type to enter another AVERAGE function.
cell gives
Average.
MODE
the one that
occurs
Activatethe
the previous sheet
most
Go 2sheet
to the next
frequently.
AVERAGE function
the AVERAGE function to get the average of numbers in a range of cells.
ect cellUse
D7,the
then use AutoSum
AVERAGE to to
function add anthe
get AVERAGE
average function.
of numbers in a range of cells.
w select cell G7, and enter an AVERAGE function by typing =AVERAGE(G3:G6).
ell D15,1you can
Select
usecell D7, AutoSum,
either then use AutoSum
or type totoenter
add an AVERAGE
another function.
AVERAGE function.
EXTRA CREDIT
Try using MEDIAN or MODE here.
1 Select cell D7, then use the AutoSum Wizard to add a MIN function.
3 In cell D15, you can use either the AutoSum Wizard, or type to enter a MIN or
MAX function.
GOOD TO KNOW
You can use either MIN or MAX with
N(A1:A10,B1:B10), or =MAX(A1:A10,10).
multiple ranges, or values to show the
greater or lesser of those values, like
=MIN(A1:A10,B1:B10), or
=MAX(A1:A10,B1), where B1 contains a
threshold value, like 10, in which case the
formula would never return a result less
than 10.
display a
negative
number
because you
haven't
entered your
birthday yet,
you can use an GOOD TO KNOW
IF function like
You can use keyboard shortcuts to enter
Date functions
Date functions
this: Dates and Times that won't continuously
=IF(D7="","",D
Excel can give you the current date, based on your computer's regional settings. You can also add and subtract Dates.
7-D6), which change:
says,
Check"IF D7the TODAY function, which gives you Today's date. These are live, or volatile functions, so when you open your work
out
equals Excel can give you- the
Date current date, based on your computer's regional settings. You
Ctl+;
Subtract Dates - Enter
can alsoTime
nothing, then your
add and next birthday in MM/DD/YY format in cell D7, and watch Excel tell you how many days away it is by
subtract Dates.
- Ctrl+Shift+:
Add Dates
show nothing,
- Let's say you want to know what date a bill is due, or when you need to return a library book. You can add days to
otherwise
GOOD
show
Excel
TO KNOW
D7 1
minus D6". dates and times based on the number of days starting from January 1, 1900. Times are kept in fractional portions o
keeps
Time
Excel functions
can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You can also add and subtract times. For insta
In cell D25, enter =NOW(), which will give the current time, and will update each time Excel calculates. If you need to change th
2
If this formula could talk, it would say, "Take the Time Out and subtract it from the Time In, then subtract the Lunch Out/In Tim
Previous 3
Next
More information on the web
All about the TODAY function
All about the NOW function
All about the DATE function
Free Excel training online
Time functions
Excel can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You
can also add and subtract times. For instance, you might need to keep track of how
many hours an employee worked each week, and calculate their pay and overtime.
3
Previous
1 and times based on the number of days starting from January 1, 1900. Times are kept in fractional portions of a day based on
OD TO KNOW Check out the TODAY function, which gives you Today's date. These are live, or
el keeps dates volatile functions, so when you open your workbook tomorrow, it will have
tomorrow's date. Enter =TODAY() in cell D6.
el can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You can also add and subtract times. For instance, you might n
ell D25, enter =NOW(),
Subtractwhich will- Enter
give the current
nexttime, and will update eachformat
time Excel calculates.
D7, andIf you need to change the Time format,
2 Dates your birthday in MM/DD/YY in cell
watch Excel tell you how many days away it is by using =D7-D6 in cell D8.
is formula could talk, it would say, "Take the Time Out and subtract it from the Time In, then subtract the Lunch Out/In Times, then multipl
3 Add Dates - Let's say you want to know what date a bill is due, or when you need
to return a library book. You can add days to a date to find out. In cell D10, enter a
random number of days. In cell D11, we added =D6+D10 to calculate the due date
re information on the web
from today.
about the TODAY function
about the NOW function
about the DATE function
e Excel training online
Time functions
Excel can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You
can also add and subtract times. For instance, you might need to keep track of how
many hours an employee worked each week, and calculate their pay and overtime.
1 In cell D28, enter =NOW(), which will give the current time, and will update
each time Excel calculates. If you need to change the Time format, you can go
to Ctrl+1 > Number > Time > Select the format you want.
3 If this formula could talk, it would say, "Take the Time Out and subtract it from
the Time In, then subtract the Lunch Out/In Times, then multiply those by 24
to convert Excel's fractional time to hours", or =((Time In - Time Out)-(Lunch
In - Lunch Out))*24.
If this formula could talk, it would say, "Take the Time Out and subtract it from
the Time In, then subtract the Lunch Out/In Times, then multiply those by 24
to convert Excel's fractional time to hours", or =((Time In - Time Out)-(Lunch
In - Lunch Out))*24.
*24 to convert Excel's
fraction of a day to hours
Time Out Lunch Out
=((D35-D32)-(D34-D33))*24
Time In Lunch In
Previous Next
Date functions
Today's date:
Your birthday:
Days
act times. For until your
instance, you birthday: 0 many hoursIMPORTANT
might need to keep track of how
DETAIL
an employee worked each week, and calculate their pay and over
If you don't want Excel to display a negative
number, because you haven't entered your
Grace period days:
birthday yet, you can use an IF function like
Bill due on: 12/30/99 this: =IF(D7="","",D7-D6), which says, "IF
D7 equals
e Lunch Out/In Times, then multiply those by 24 to convert Excel's fractional nothing,
time to hours", then show
or =((Time nothing,
In - Time Out)-(Lunch In - Lunch Ou
otherwise show D7 minus D6".
GOOD TO KNOW
Excel keeps dates and times based on the
number of days starting from January 1, 1900.
Times are kept in fractional portions of a day
based on minutes. So 01/01/2017 12:30 PM is
actually stored as 42736.5208. If the Time or
Date show up as numbers like that, then you
can press Ctrl+1 > Number > select a Date
or Time format.
Time functions
Current Time:
=C28
WORTH " &2TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY")
& "EXPLORING
If you don't don't know what format code to use, you can use Ctrl+1 > Number to format any cell the way you want. Then sele
More information on the web
All about the TEXT function
Combine text and numbers
3 online
Free Excel training
Look at cells C28:D29. See how the date and times are in separate cells? You can join
them together with the & symbol like you'll see in cells C32:C33, but that doesn't look
right, does it? Unfortunately, Excel doesn't know how you want to format the numbers,
so it breaks them down to their basest format, which is the the Serial date in this case.
We need to explicity tell Excel how to format the number portion of the formula, so it
displays the way you want in the resulting text string. You can do that with the TEXT
function and a format code.
2
Previous
SmithNancy doesn't look quite right though. We need to add a comma and a
" &2TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY")
8 & "EXPLORING
RTH space. To do that we'll use quotes to create a new text string. This time, enter
ou don't don't know what format code to use, you can use Ctrl+1 > Number to format any cell the way you want. Then select the Custom o
=D3&", "&C3. The &", "& portion lets us join a comma and space with the
re information on the web
text in the cells.
about the TEXT function
mbine text and numbers
3 Toonline
e Excel training
create the full name, we'll join first and last name, but use a space without a
comma. In F3, enter =C3&" "&D3.
Next
Dive down for more detail
Look at cells C28:D29. See how the date and times are in separate cells? You can join
them together with the & symbol like you'll see in cells C32:C33, but that doesn't look
right, does it? Unfortunately, Excel doesn't know how you want to format the numbers,
so it breaks them down to their basest format, which is the the Serial date in this case.
We need to explicity tell Excel how to format the number portion of the formula, so it
displays the way you want in the resulting text string. You can do that with the TEXT
function and a format code.
Previous Next
ou want. Then select the Custom option. You can copy the format code that's displayed back to your formula.
WORTH EXPLORING
If you don't don't know what format code to use, you
can use Ctrl+1 > Number to format any cell the way
you want. Then select the Custom option. You can
WORTH EXPLORING
If you don't don't know what format code to use, you
can use Ctrl+1 > Number to format any cell the way
you want. Then select the Custom option. You can
copy the format code that's displayed back to your
formula.
you
example
In cellstart
F33, by
typing,
looking
we've enteredExcel's
at the
auto-correct,
formula in cell
=IF(E33="Yes",
Next
should
D12. We we've
findgotit
F31*SalesTax,
added anWhen IF
for
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In upD9
cell
calculate
Copy D9 to
Tab to enter
=IF(C12<100,"
SalesTax
enter as ait.
shipping
D10.
This
Less is The if it's
aRange
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=IF(C9="Apple
required.
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EXPERT here
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Named
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define
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cell
TRUE. E33
SUM(D28:D29
orange
terms equals
oris not
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Define
Yes, then
)*1.25,0).
an
values
apple.
Name.
greater in
Now,
thanaThis if
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says
single "If cell
cell
place, IFC6?statements allow you to make logical comparisons between conditions. An IF
you ever
in cellneed
100 times
F31
E35 is
andchange
to Yes,statement generally says that if one condition is true do something, otherwise do
then
SalesTax,
TRUEtake
then
reuse and
them FALSE are unlike other words in Excel formulas in that they don't need to be in quotes, and Excel will automatically c
the
your shipping
otherwise something
=IF(C3="Apple","Yes","No") else. The formulas can return text, values, or even more calculations.
sum
cost, of
throughout
youthe only a
return
Quantity
workbook. a 0. Youmore detail
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to do it for
column
can
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one in
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and
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IF
and
you
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in this with
it another function
IF
usestatements
cell the
E33 to seecan also force additional calculations to be performed if a certain condition is met. Here we're going to evaluate
by 1.25,
workbook
Shipping nameby
the calculation
otherwise
going to in
anywhere
change.
return
Formulas a 0".
the workbook. >
Name 2
Manager. Click
GOOD
here toTO learn KNOW
When
more. you create a formula, Excel will automatically place colored borders around any ranges referenced in the formula, and th
3
Previous
Next
More information on the web
All about the IF function
All about the IFS function
Advanced IF statements
Dive down for more detail
Free Excel training online
3
3
Previous
atements1
atement with In cell D9 enter =IF(C9="Apple",TRUE,FALSE). The correct answer is TRUE.
can another
also forcefunction
additional calculations to be performed if a certain condition is met. Here we're going to evaluate a cell to see if Sa
2 Copy D9 to D10. The answer here should be FALSE, because an orange is not
an apple.
OD TO KNOW
en you create a formula, Excel will automatically place colored borders around any ranges referenced in the formula, and the correspondin
3 Try another example by looking at the formula in cell D12. We got you started
with =IF(C12<100,"Less than 100","Greater than or equal to 100"). What
happens if you enter a number greater than or equal to
re information100 in cell
on the webC12?
about the IF function
about the IFS function
anced IF statements Next
Dive down for more detail
e Excel training online
3 Next, change the 1.25 in the formula in cell F35 to "Shipping". As you start
typing, Excel's auto-correct, should find it for you. When it does, press Tab to
enter it. This is a Named Range, and we entered it from Formulas > Define
Name. Now, if you ever need to change your shipping cost, you only have to
3 Next, change the 1.25 in the formula in cell F35 to "Shipping". As you start
typing, Excel's auto-correct, should find it for you. When it does, press Tab to
enter it. This is a Named Range, and we entered it from Formulas > Define
Name. Now, if you ever need to change your shipping cost, you only have to
do it in one place, and you can use the Shipping name anywhere in the
workbook.
Previous Next
Advanced IF statements
will automatically capitalize them. Numbers don't need to be in quotes either. Regular text, like Yes or No does need to be in quotes like thi
IF statements
Apple
Orange
the formula, and the corresponding ranges in the formula will be the same color. You can see this if you select cell F33 and press F2 to edit
IMPORTANT DETAIL
TRUE and FALSE are unlike other words in Excel
formulas in that they don't need to be in quotes,
and Excel will automatically capitalize them.
Numbers don't need to be in quotes either.
Regular text, like Yes or No does need to be in
quotes like this:
=IF(C3="Apple","Yes","No")
EXPERT TIP
Named Ranges allow you to define terms or values in a
single place, and then reuse them throughout a
workbook. You can see all of the named ranges in this
EXPERT TIP
Named Ranges allow you to define terms or values in a
single place, and then reuse them throughout a
workbook. You can see all of the named ranges in this
workbook by going to Formulas > Name Manager.
Click here to learn more.
or even more calculations.
KNOW
reate a formula, Excel will
ly place colored borders around
referenced in the formula, and
onding ranges in the formula will
e color. You can see this if you
33 and press F2 to edit the
exists, but you
we'll
still want
In cell wrap
D22, toour
existing
suppress
enter the
VLOOKUP
#N/A
=VLOOKUP(C2error,
formula
you can use
2,C17:D20,2,F like an
this
error in cell
ALSE).handling
The
D43:
function
correct called
IFERROR
answer for in
=IF(C43="","",
cell
ApplesG43: is 50.
VLOOKUP(C43
=IFERROR(VLO
VLOOKUP
VLOOKUP
VLOOKUP
,C37:D41,2,FA
VLOOKUP
OKUP(F43,F37
looked is one of the most widely used functions in Excel (and one of our favorites too!). VLOOKUP lets you look up a value in
Now
LSE)) tryfor
for
:G41,2,FALSE),
Apples, found
yourself in the
"").
it,
Meat IFERROR
then went
=VLOOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
section,
This
says
over saystheif cell
ifone
in
What
C43 cell G22.
equals
dotoyouVLOOKUP is one of the most widely used functions in Excel (and one of our favorites
VLOOKUP
column
You should thewant to look for?
nothing
If
returns
youupand
right, find(""),
too!).
a valid VLOOKUP lets you
it, how many columns look
to the updo
right a value in atocolumn
you want on the left, then returns
get a value?
end
then with
return
result,
returned
Where
=VLOOKUP(F2 then
dotheinformation in another
you want to look for it? column to the right if it finds a match. VLOOKUP says:
nothing,
display
amount. that,
2,F17:G20,2,F
otherwise
Do you want an exact, or approximate match?
otherwise,
ALSE).
return
displaythe
VLOOKUP's
nothing ("").
results.
EXPERIMENT
We Note
displayed
the
Try second
nothing here different items from the drop down lists. You'll see the result cells instantly update themselves with new values.
selecting
closing
(""), but youfor more detail
Dive down
parenthesis
can also useat
Next
the end of(0,1,
numbers the
formula.
VLOOKUP
2, This
etc.), or and #N/A
Invariably,
closes the as you'll
IF run into a situation where VLOOKUP can't find what you asked it to, and it returns an error (#N/A). Sometimes
text, such
statement.
"Formula isn't
IMPORTANT DETAIL
correct".
IFERROR is what's known as a blanket error handler, meaning it will suppress any error your formula might throw. This can caus
A rule of thumb is to not add error handlers to your formulas until you're absolutely certain they work properly.
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All about the VLOOKUP function
1
All about the INDEX/MATCH functions
All about the IFERROR function
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OOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
VLOOKUP
at do you want to is
lookone of the most widely used functions in Excel (and one of our favorites
for?
ou find it, how many columnsyou
too!). VLOOKUP lets look
to the updo
right a value in atocolumn
you want on the left, then returns
get a value?
ere doinformation in another
you want to look for it? column to the right if it finds a match. VLOOKUP says:
you want an exact, or approximate match?
What do you If you find it, how many
want to look columns to the right do
ERIMENT for? you want to get a value?
selecting different items from the drop down lists. You'll see the result cells instantly update themselves with new values.
e down for more detail
OKUP
riably, and =VLOOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
#N/A
you'll run into a situation where VLOOKUP can't find what you asked it to, and it returns an error (#N/A). Sometimes, it's because th
ORTANT DETAIL
RROR is what's known as a blanket error handler, meaning it will suppress any error your formula might throw. This can cause problems if Ex
Where do you Do you want
want to look an exact,
le of thumb is to not add error handlers to your formulas until you're or
absolutely certain they work properly.
for it? approximate
match?
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Dive down for more detail
1 If you know your lookup value exists, but want to hide the error if the lookup cell
is blank, you can use an IF statement. In this case, we'll wrap our existing
VLOOKUP formula like this in cell D43:
=IF(C43="","",VLOOKUP(C43,C37:D41,2,FALSE))
This says, "If cell C43 equals nothing (""), then return nothing, otherwise return
If you know your lookup value exists, but want to hide the error if the lookup cell
is blank, you can use an IF statement. In this case, we'll wrap our existing
VLOOKUP formula like this in cell D43:
=IF(C43="","",VLOOKUP(C43,C37:D41,2,FALSE))
This says, "If cell C43 equals nothing (""), then return nothing, otherwise return
the VLOOKUP's results". Note the second closing parenthesis at the end of the
formula. This closes the IF statement.
2 If you're not sure your lookup value exists, but you still want to suppress the
#N/A error, you can use an error handling function called IFERROR in cell G43:
=IFERROR(VLOOKUP(F43,F37:G41,2,FALSE),""). IFERROR says, "If the
VLOOKUP returns a valid result, then display that, otherwise, display nothing
("")". We displayed nothing here (""), but you can also use numbers (0,1, 2, etc.),
or text, such as "Formula isn't correct".
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(#N/A). Sometimes, it's because the lookup value simply doesn't exist, or it can because the reference cell doesn't have a value yet.
Apples Pork
EXPERIMENT
Try selecting different items from the drop down lists. You'll
see the result cells instantly update themselves with new
values.
M function in cell D42 could talk, it would say this: Sum up the values in cells D38, D39, D40, and D41.
Item Amount Item Amount
Bread 50 Bread 50
Donuts 100 Donuts 100
Cookies 40 Cookies 40
Cakes 50 Cakes 50
Pies 20 Pies 20
#N/A Pastry #N/A
IMPORTANT DETAIL
IFERROR is what's known as a blanket error handler,
meaning it will suppress any error your formula
might throw. This can cause problems if Excel is
giving you a notification that your formula has a
legitimate error that needs to be fixed.
=COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)
You've already
This is the first seen
rangeSUMIF,
to countSUMIFS, COUNTIF, and COUNTIFS. Now you can try on your own with the other functions, such as
This
SUMIFis the=SUMIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
criteria for the first match
SUMIFS =SUMIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
This is the second range to count
AVERAGEIF =AVERAGEIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
This is criteria=AVERAGEIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D92,D106)
AVERAGEIFS for the second match
Dive down
COUNTIF for more detail
=COUNTIF(C92:C103,C106)
COUNTIFS
Next =COUNTIFS(C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MAXIFS =MAXIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C10,D92:D103,D106)
More
MINIFSconditional functions
=MINIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
=SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)
Dive down for more detail
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SUMIF with a value argument
Here's an example of the SUMIF function using greater than (>) to find all values greater than a given amount:
=SUMIF(D118:D122,">50")
Sum up through
....Look some values
thesebased
cells...on this criterion:
...and if the value is greater than 50, sum it up.
NOTE: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a PivotTable is a better solution. See this Piv
=COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)
SUMIF =SUMIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
SUMIFS =SUMIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
AVERAGEIF =AVERAGEIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
AVERAGEIFS =AVERAGEIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D92,D106)
COUNTIF =COUNTIF(C92:C103,C106)
COUNTIFS =COUNTIFS(C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MAXIFS =MAXIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C10,D92:D103,D106)
MINIFS =MINIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
Sum up some
values based
on this
criterion:
=SUMIF(D118:D122,">50")
NOTE: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a
PivotTable is a better solution. See this PivotTable article for more information.
Back to top
Conditional functions - SUMIF
ditional functions - SUMIF
ditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of a range based on a given condition, or criteri
MIF lets you sum in one range based on a specifc criteria you look for in another range, like how many Apples you h
Conditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of a range
MIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D4)
based on a given condition, or criteria you specify. Such as, out of all the fruits in the list,
at range do you want to look at?
how many are apples? Or, how many oranges are the Florida type?
at value (text or number) do you want to look for?
eachismatch
MIFS found,
the same what range
as SUMIF, but itdolets
youyou
want
usetomultiple
sum in?criteria. So in this example, you can look for Fruit and Type, instead of just by Fruit. S
1 SUMIF lets you sum in one range based on a specifc criteria you look for in
another range, like how many Apples you have. Select cell D17 and type
MIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)
at range do you=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D14).
want to sum? SUMIF is structured like this:
is the first range to look in for matches
is the criteria for the first matchWhat range do you For each match found, what
want to look at? range do you want to sum in?
is the criteria for the second match
=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D4)
e down for more detail
=SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)
e down for more detail
TE: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a PivotTable is a better solution. See this PivotTable article fo
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Dive down for more detail
re information on the web Next
about the SUMIFDive down for more detail
function
about the SUMIFS function
about the COUNTIF function
about the COUNTIFS function
Conditional functions - COUNTIF
about the AVERAGEIF function
about the AVERAGEIFS function
about the MINIFS function
COUNTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in a range based on a criteria you specify.
about the MAXIFS function
They're a bit different from the other IF and IFS functions, in that they only have a criteria
ate a drop-down list
range, and criteria. They don't evalute one range, then look in another to summarize.
e Excel training online
=COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64)
2 COUNTIFS is the same as SUMIF, but it lets you use multiple criteria. So in this
example, you can look for Fruit and Type, instead of just by Fruit. Select cell H17
and type =COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64). COUNTIFS is structured
like this:
=COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)
SUMIF =SUMIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
SUMIFS =SUMIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
AVERAGEIF =AVERAGEIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
AVERAGEIFS =AVERAGEIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D92,D106)
COUNTIF =COUNTIF(C92:C103,C106)
COUNTIFS =COUNTIFS(C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MAXIFS =MAXIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C10,D92:D103,D106)
MINIFS =MINIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
=SUMIF(D118:D122,">50")
NOTE: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a
PivotTable is a better solution. See this PivotTable article for more information.
All about the COUNTIF function All about the COUNTIFS function
All about the AVERAGEIF function All about the AVERAGEIFS function
All about the MINIFS function All about the MAXIFS function
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Next step
Fruit Amount Fruit Type Amount
Apples 50 Apples Fuji 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Florida 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Rough 40
Apples 50 Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Navel 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Lady Finger 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Eureka 40
Apples 50 Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Navel 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Eureka 40
nt from the other IF and IFS functions, in that they only have a criteria range, and criteria. They don't evalute
EXPERT TIP one range, then look in anoth
Each one of the Fruit and Type cells has a
drop-down list where you can select
different fruits. Try it, and watch the
formulasCOUNTIFS
uit and Type, instead of just by Fruit. Select cell H17 and type =COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64). automatically update. like this:
is structured
functions, such as AVERAGEIF/S, MAXIFS, MINIFS. They're all structured the same way, so once you get one formula written, you can just r
Item Amount
Bread 50
Donuts 100
Cookies 40
Cakes 50
Pies 20
200
e range, then look in another to summarize.
uit and Type cells has a
ere you can select
it, and watch the
cally update. like this:
is structured
mula written, you can just replace the function name with the one you want. We've written all the functions you'll need for cell E106, so you
u'll need for cell E106, so you can copy/paste these, or try to type them yourself for practice.
GOOD TO KNOW
Double-click this cell and you'll see that the
formula is different. Specifically, the sum
criteria is ">=50" which means greater than
or equal to 50. There are other operators
you can use like "<=50" which is less than
or equal to 50. And there's "<>50" which is
not equals 50.
athefunction
criteriabox,
for
and
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When
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theknow
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description
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the function
be displayed
end up with
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=VLOOKUP(C1the
bottom ofIfthe
0,C5:D8,2,FALS you know the name of the function you want, but you're not sure how to build it,
form, above
E)
GOOD TO you
the Formula KNOW can use the Function Wizard to help you out.
You
result.can type cell and range references, or select them with your mouse.
1
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More information on the web
Overview of formulas in Excel
2 (by category)
Excel functions
Excel functions (alphabetical)
Free Excel training online
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If you know the name of the function you want, but you're not sure how to build it,
OD TO you
KNOWcan use the Function Wizard to help you out.
can type cell and range references, or select them with your mouse.
1 Select cell D10, then go to Formulas > Insert Function > type
VLOOKUP in the Search for a function box, and press GO.
When you see VLOOKUP highlighted, click OK at the bottom.
When you select a function in the list, Excel will display its syntax.
e information on the web
rview of formulas in Excel
2 (byNext,
l functions enter the function arguments in their respective text boxes. As you enter
category)
l functions (alphabetical)Excel will evaluate it, and show you its result, with the final result at
each one,
Excel trainingthe bottom. Press OK when you're done, and Excel will enter the formula for
online
you.
GOOD TO KNOW
As you enter each a
argument's descrip
bottom of the form
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Fruit Amount
Apples 50
Oranges 20
Bananas 60
Lemons 40
Apples 50
GOOD TO KNOW
You can type cell and range references, or
select them with your mouse.
GOOD TO KNOW
As you enter each argument's section, the
argument's description will be displayed toward the
bottom of the form, above the Formula result.
GOOD TO
Fixing
KNOW
At some
Clicking Fixing formula errors
formula errors
point in time, you'll run across a formula that has an error, which Excel will display with #ErrorName. Errors can be hel
Error checking
Options will let - Go to Formulas > Error Checking. This will load a dialog that will tell you the general cause for your specific erro
If you
you setclick
theHelp on this Error, a help topic specific to the error message will open. If you click Show Calculation Steps, an Evalua
rules At
Each timewhen
for yousome point in time,
click Evaluate, Excel you'll run
will step acrossthe
through a formula
formula that has an at
one section error, which
a time. Excelnecessarily
It won't will tell you why an erro
display with #ErrorName. Errors can be helpful, because they point out when
errors in Excel
EXPERIMENT
are displayed
What's something's
wrong not
here? Hint: working
We're tryingright, butup
to SUM they canitems.
all the be challenging to fix. Fortunately, there are
or ignored.
several options that can help you track down the source of the error, and fix it.
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More information on the web
Detect errors in formulas
How to avoid broken formulas
Evaluate a nested formula one step at a time
Free Excel training online
3
3
Previous
1 Error checking - Go to Formulas > Error Checking. This will load a dialog that
will tell you the general cause for your specific error. In cell D9, the #N/A error
e information isoncaused
the webbecause there is no value matching "Apple". You can fix this by using
ect errors in formulas
a value that does exist, suppress the error with IFERROR, or ignore it and know
w to avoid broken formulas
it will go away when you do use a value that exists.
uate a nested formula one step at a time
Excel training online
2 If you click Help on this Error, a help topic specific to the error message will
open. If you click Show Calculation Steps, an Evaluate Formula dialog will
load.
3 Each time you click Evaluate, Excel will step through the formula one section at
a time. It won't necessarily tell you why an error occurs, but it will point out
where. From there, look at the help topic to deduce what went wrong with your
formula.
3 Each time you click Evaluate, Excel will step through the formula one section at
a time. It won't necessarily tell you why an error occurs, but it will point out
where. From there, look at the help topic to deduce what went wrong with your
formula.
Previous Next
Fruit Amount
Apples 50
Oranges 20
Bananas 60
Lemons 40
Apple #N/A
GOOD TO KNOW
Clicking Options will let you set
the rules for when errors in
Excel are displayed or ignored.
Fruit Amount
Apples 50
Oranges 20
Bananas 60
Lemons 40
Total #MACRO?
EXPERIMENT
What's wrong here? Hint: We're trying to SUM
up all the items.
What's wrong here? Hint: We're trying to SUM
up all the items.
ging to fix. Fortunately, there are several options that can help you track down the source of the error, and fix it.
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