Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Are you having trouble…
Understanding Excel formulas? Getting that formula onto your spreadsheet? Getting used to Excel’s formula syntax?
You are not alone!
APPLYEXCEL.COM
Stick around until the end to get a printable cheatsheet of this presentation.
#1 Map out the formula on a piece of paper.
Draw a flow diagram of your formula using these symbols.
Inputs
Outputs
Operations
Connections
APPLYEXCEL.COM
InputsThe data you enter.
OutputsThe answer you plan on getting.
OperationsHow you get from input to output.
ConnectionsArrows that link all of the above together.
Inputs
Outputs
Operations
Connections
APPLYEXCEL.COM
Example 2:Add three angles (30, 25, and 75) together and find the cosine of the sum.
APPLYEXCEL.COM
#2 Look for places where you can use a function to do the job.
Excel functions are built-in shortcuts that perform a set of pre-determined calculations.
There could be a function that already does what your formula needs to do.
f(x) CalculationsANSWE
R
APPLYEXCEL.COM
You can find a function in one of the following ways:
• Selecting a function from the dropdown lists on the Formula tab
• Clicking on the fx button next to the formula bar
• Searching Google for your formula’s keywords
APPLYEXCEL.COM
Look for parts of your flow diagram that can be replaced by a function, and mark it with a dashed block.
Remember to study the inputs and outputs of any function you choose.
APPLYEXCEL.COM
#3 Type out your formula using the correct syntax.
Excel has a syntax (a standard for writing code) in which all formulas have to be written.
Every formula starts with an = (equal sign).
APPLYEXCEL.COM
Function syntax is composed of a name, a set of parentheses, and arguments (inputs) with which the function can perform calculations. Arguments are separated by commas.
=SUM(A1:A5, B1:B5)Equals sign
Function name Parenthesis
Arguments
APPLYEXCEL.COM
Mathematical operations are performed using the syntax on the right:
Operation Syntax What it means
Addition =A1+A2 A2 added to A1
Subtraction =A1-A2 A2 subtracted from A1
Multiplication =A1*A2 A2 multiplied with A1
Division =A1/A2 A2 divided into A1
Power =A1^A2 A1 raised to the power A2
APPLYEXCEL.COM
#4 Start from the answer and work your way backwards.
To avoid unnecessary complexity, start from the last step in your flow diagram and work your way backwards.
End
APPLYEXCEL.COM
In other words: First start typing the last step of your formula. Then move to the second-last step, and insert the code for the last step in the appropriate position. Continue until you reach the first step…
Last2nd
Last…
…
First
Start here!
APPLYEXCEL.COM
The final step will be the outermost function, and the first step the innermost function.
=COS()
=COS(RADIANS())
=COS(RADIANS(SUM()))
=COS(RADIANS(SUM(A1:C1)))
APPLYEXCEL.COM
Construct your formula carefully, using all of the following tools:
• Flow chart• Functions• Syntax• Remember to start from the back.
APPLYEXCEL.COM
#5 Replicate your formula.
When you have written your first formula, you would obviously want to use it elsewhere as well…
So you need to copy it.
CopyCopyCopyCopy
APPLYEXCEL.COM
You can copy your formula to another cell using any one of these methods:
• Select the cell, then use the copy and paste functions on the menu bar.
• Select the cell, then use the two keyboard shortcuts - Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V - to copy and paste, respectively.
• Copy the formula down by dragging.
Ctrl C
Ctrl V
APPLYEXCEL.COM
Copy by dragging is by far the most efficient way of copying cells.
Simply look for a square shape in the lower right hand corner of the cell. Drag it down to the desired position.
APPLYEXCEL.COM
Before copying cells, you should always consider:• Relative referencing• Absolute referencing
Read more about it here.
APPLYEXCEL.COM
Download the cheatsheet!Download a free cheatsheet that summarizes all the info in this article into a neat, printable format.
APPLYEXCEL.COM
Download Cheatsheet
THE END
