The function of formulas

Formulas are special cell entries that return a result. For example, if you enter a formula for the sum of a range of cells, the cell in which you enter it will display the actual total of those cells. The formula itself appears in the formula bar (which is just below the toolbars at the top of the spreadsheet window) when the cell is activated.

An Excel, StarOffice or OpenOffice.org formula begins with an equal sign (=). Some other spreadsheets use a different sign. Whatever the sign used, a formula can usually consist of any of the following elements:

• Mathematical operators such as - (for subtraction) and / (for division)

• Cell references, including addresses such as B4 or C12, as well as named cells and ranges

• Values and text (Note: Some spreadsheets do not have text formulas)

• Worksheet functions (such as SUM)

You can enter a formula into a cell in three ways: manually (typing it in), by pointing to cell references, or with the assistance of the formula palette.