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Enter formula, function

You can use formulas and functions to perform calculations and analyze data. A formula always begins with an equal sign (=). A function is a predefined formula (for example, SUM, AVERAGE). The names of most functions depend on your system language, while mathematical ones (SIN, COS, EXP) are always entered using Latin letters.

For your work, you have access to the the formula bar, Insert Function pane, and Autosum tool.

Autosum automatically applies one of the popular functions (SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, COUNT) to the selected data.

Enter a formula or function manually​

  1. Select the cell in which you want to enter the formula.
  2. Type the equals sign =.
  3. Begin typing the function name. Select the desired one from the dropdown list of suggestions.
  4. Enter the function's arguments within parentheses.
  5. Press Enter to complete the entry.

You can also enter the formula directly into the formula bar.

Enter a function using the Insert function pane​

  1. Select the cell where you want to insert the function.
  2. Click the Insert function button in the formula bar.
  3. In the Insert function pane, select a function using the search or category menu.
  4. Click the Insert button. The function will be added to the cell.
  5. Fill in the function's arguments.
  6. Press Enter to finish.

You can also use the Function tool on the Insert tab.

Calculate data using Autosum​

  1. Select the cell immediately adjacent to your data range (below a column or to the right of a row).
  2. In the formula bar, click the Autosum button.

Only visible cells within the range are included in the calculation.

You can also:

  • Click the Autosum button on the Home or Data tab to quickly apply the SUM function.
  • Use the Alt+= (Option+=) keyboard shortcut.
  • Select the entire data range—the result will appear in the next empty cell.
  • Select another function (AVERAGE, MIN, etc.) by clicking the arrow next to the Autosum button.

Copy and paste the formula​

  1. Select the cell containing the formula.
  2. Copy it using a standard method (e.g. Ctrl+C).
  3. Select the cell where you want to paste the formula.
  4. Paste using a standard method (e.g. Ctrl+V).

With standard copying, references in the formula adjust automatically relative to the new cell location.

You can also copy a formula without adjusting its references by copying its text directly from the formula bar.

Paste a formula's result instead of the formula itself​

  1. Copy the cell containing the formula.
  2. Right-click the cell where you want to paste the value.
  3. In the context menu, select Paste values only.

You can also use:

  • The Paste values only tool on the Home tab, in the Edit group.
  • The keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+V (Cmd+Option+V).