WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en 00:00:09.200 --> 00:00:15.639 Remember using formulas to calculate math problems in school, like 2+2=4, or 2 pizzas 00:00:15.639 --> 00:00:18.050 x $10 dollars = $20? 00:00:18.050 --> 00:00:22.619 You can use these same formulas to work with numerical data in your spreadsheets, just 00:00:22.619 --> 00:00:26.310 like you would use a calculator. 00:00:26.310 --> 00:00:32.180 Excel uses standard operators for math equations, like a plus sign for addition; a minus sign 00:00:32.180 --> 00:00:38.960 for subtraction; an asterisk for multiplication; a forward slash for division; and a caret 00:00:38.960 --> 00:00:41.000 for exponents. 00:00:41.000 --> 00:00:46.969 You're probably used to seeing equations like 5+5=, but in Excel, the equals sign comes 00:00:46.969 --> 00:00:55.530 first. That's because the cell itself contains (or is equal to) the formula and its value. 00:00:55.530 --> 00:01:00.090 Let's start off with a simple addition formula. We're going to calculate the total budget 00:01:00.090 --> 00:01:07.310 for June and July. However, instead of entering these numbers (in other words, $1200+1500), 00:01:07.310 --> 00:01:10.720 we're going to use cell references. Here's how it works. 00:01:10.720 --> 00:01:16.450 First, select the cell where you want the total to appear, then type an equals sign, 00:01:16.450 --> 00:01:21.570 which is how you always start a formula. Next, type the addresses of the cells you want to 00:01:21.570 --> 00:01:27.990 add; in this example, D10+D11. 00:01:27.990 --> 00:01:31.979 Notice how the cells you've entered are actually highlighted in your worksheet, so you can 00:01:31.979 --> 00:01:38.020 easily confirm the contents of your formula. When you're ready, press Enter on your keyboard... 00:01:38.020 --> 00:01:39.700 and Excel will display the answer. 00:01:39.700 --> 00:01:45.630 Now, you may be wondering why we used cell references instead of numbers. It's because 00:01:45.630 --> 00:01:51.549 they give you the ability to change your original values... without having to re-type your formula. 00:01:51.549 --> 00:01:56.610 Excel automatically recalculates the answer so it's always up-to-date. For that reason, 00:01:56.610 --> 00:02:00.090 you should try to use cell references whenever you can. 00:02:00.090 --> 00:02:05.579 To edit your formula, all you have to do is double-click the cell. If you make a mistake 00:02:05.579 --> 00:02:10.190 or you change your mind, you can press Esc on your keyboard... and it'll go back to the 00:02:10.190 --> 00:02:14.069 way it was. 00:02:14.069 --> 00:02:19.090 Let's try another example, this time with multiplication. I want to calculate the total 00:02:19.090 --> 00:02:26.800 price for plastic silverware... so I'll need to multiply B4 by C4. Once again, start by 00:02:26.800 --> 00:02:31.590 typing an equals sign... but instead of entering the addresses manually, we're going to use 00:02:31.590 --> 00:02:34.250 something called the point and click method. 00:02:34.250 --> 00:02:39.930 Just click the cell you want... and the address instantly appears in your formula. Most people 00:02:39.930 --> 00:02:44.769 find this much easier than typing out the cell addresses by hand. When you're done, 00:02:44.769 --> 00:02:47.410 press Enter... and the answer appears. 00:02:47.410 --> 00:02:54.349 Finally, I want to show you a quick way to add a formula to several cells at once—specifically 00:02:54.349 --> 00:02:59.390 these three cells. Instead of re-typing the formula above, we're just going to select 00:02:59.390 --> 00:03:04.780 the first cell... then locate the fill handle in the bottom right corner. 00:03:04.780 --> 00:03:09.920 Click and drag the handle down, and when you let go... the formula appears automatically 00:03:09.920 --> 00:03:15.810 in all three cells. Now we can see the total cost for each item. This is a great shortcut 00:03:15.810 --> 00:03:20.599 for duplicating formulas if you plan to use the same one more than once. 00:03:20.599 --> 00:03:25.500 Formulas really are one of the most powerful and convenient features in Excel. Now that 00:03:25.500 --> 00:03:29.340 you know how to use them, they can help you calculate all kinds of useful data.