Create a simple recipe
When working with numerical information, Google Sheets can be used to perform calculations. In this lesson, you will learn how to create simple formulas to add, subtract, multiply, and divide values. You will also be introduced to the basics of using cell references in formulas.
Create a simple recipe
One convenient and time-saving feature of Google Sheets is its ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numerical data for you. Google Sheets uses mathematical expressions called formulas to handle these calculations easily. This lesson will focus on formulas containing a mathematical operator.
Most of the time, you'll use the address of a cell in a formula. This is called using a cell reference. The advantage of using a cell reference is that you can change the value in the referenced cell and the formula will automatically recalculate. Using cell references in formulas ensures that the values in your formula are accurate.
Mathematical operators
Google Sheets uses standard operators for formulas: the plus sign for addition (+), the minus sign for subtraction (-), the asterisk for multiplication (*), the forward slash for division (/), and the caret (^) for exponents.
All formulas must begin with an equals sign (=). This is because the cell contains—or is equal to—the formula and the value it calculates.
Use cell references.
When a formula contains a cell address, it is using a cell reference. Creating formulas with cell references is useful because you can update the numerical value in the cell without having to rewrite the formula.
By combining mathematical operators with cell references, you can create many simple formulas in Google Sheets. Formulas can also include a combination of a cell reference and a number.
Create a recipe
The example will use simple formulas and cell references to help calculate the budget.
How to create a recipe
1. Select the cell that will display the calculated value.
2. Type the equals sign (=).
3. Enter the address of the first cell you want to reference in the formula. A dotted border will appear around the referenced cell.
4. Enter the operator you want to use. For example, type the plus sign (+).
5. Enter the address of the cell you want to reference second in the formula.
6. Press the Enter key on your keyboard. The formula will be calculated and Google Sheets will display the result.
To see how the formula recalculates, try changing the value in either cell. The formula will automatically display the new value.
Google Sheets doesn't always tell you if a formula is wrong, so you need to check all your formulas.
How to create formulas using the point-and-click method
Instead of typing cell addresses, you can point and click on the cells you want to include in your formula.
1. Select the cell that will display the calculated value.
2. Type the equals sign (=).
3. Click on the first cell you want to reference in the formula. The address of that cell will appear in the formula.
4. Enter the operator you want to use in the formula. For example, type the multiplication sign (*).
5. Click on the cell you want to reference as the second reference in the formula. The address of that cell will appear in the formula.
6. Press the Enter key on your keyboard. The formula will be calculated and the value will appear in the cell.
How to edit a formula
Sometimes you might want to modify an existing formula. For example, you might have entered an incorrect cell address into your formula, so you need to correct it.
1. Double-click the cell containing the formula you want to edit. The formula will be displayed in the cell.
2. Make the desired adjustments to the formula. For example, replace C4 with C5.
3. When you're finished, press the Enter key on your keyboard. The formula will recalculate and the new value will be displayed in the cell.
