Cell mathematics!

Introduction to Google Sheets

James Chapman

Curriculum Manager, DataCamp

Formulas

• Calculate results from other values
• Support common arithmetic operations, including: +, -, *, and /
• Allow interested stakeholders to see how values were calculated

Writing formulas

• = tells the spreadsheet that we are writing a formula in the cell

Arithmetic examples

Addition

• Formula: = 5 + 15

• Displayed value: 20

Subtraction

• Formula: = 12.5 - 7

• Displayed value: 5.5

Multiplication

• Formula: = 2 * 3.2

• Displayed value: 6.4

Division

• Formula: = 8 / 3

• Displayed value: 2.666666667

• Dividing by zero → #DIV/0!

More advanced arithmetic

• Exponentiation: ^ → caret

 

Formula: = 2 ^ 3

Displayed value: 8

• Specify order of operations: ()

 

Formula: = (2 + 3) * 6

Displayed value: 30

Order of operations

• Complex formula: = (2 + 4) / 3 - 2
  1. Parentheses ()
  2. Exponents ^
  3. Multiplication * and division /
  4. Addition + and subtraction -

Editing formulas

 

Editing formulas

 

Editing formulas

 

Editing formulas

 

Calculating percentages

Calculating percentages

Calculating percentages

Calculating percentages

Calculating percentages

Let's practice!

Introduction to Google Sheets