3.1 Formula Basics and Operators
Every formula starts with =. Excel follows the usual maths order: brackets → ^ (power) → * / → + - → & (join text) → comparisons (=, <>, >, <, >=, <=).
| Formula | Result | Why |
|---|---|---|
=2+3*4 |
14 | Multiply first |
=(2+3)*4 |
20 | Brackets first |
=G2*(1-10%) |
57.6 | 10% discount on ₹64 |
=C2&" - "&D2 |
Pune - Blinkit | Join text |
=G3>G2 |
TRUE | Comparison |
A function is a ready-made formula: =FUNCTION(argument1, argument2, …). Arguments in square brackets in the syntax, like [range_lookup], are optional.
Steps in Excel
- Type
=SU– the AutoComplete list appears. Press Tab to acceptSUM(. - Press Ctrl + A after the function name to open the Function Arguments dialog (or click fx).
- Use Formulas › Function Library to browse functions by category.
- Formulas › Formula Auditing › Show Formulas (Ctrl + `) shows all formulas instead of results.
- Formulas › Formula Auditing › Evaluate Formula runs a formula step by step.
Ravindra Bagale's Tip
Many students forget brackets and write =G2*1-10% – then the discount comes out wrong. After writing a formula, check it once step by step with Evaluate Formula. When typing a percentage, write 10% or 0.1, but not 10.
Ravindra Bagale's Tip – मराठी
बरेच students brackets विसरतात आणि =G2*1-10% लिहितात – मग discount चुकीचा येतो. Formula लिहिल्यावर एकदा Evaluate Formula ने step by step बघा. Percentage type करताना 10% लिहा किंवा 0.1, पण 10 नाही.
Ravindra Bagale's Tip – हिंदी
बहुत से students brackets भूल जाते हैं और =G2*1-10% लिख देते हैं – फिर discount गलत आता है. Formula लिखने के बाद एक बार Evaluate Formula से step by step देखो. Percentage type करते समय 10% या 0.1 लिखो, पर 10 नहीं.
Practice task
For each order compute Amount after 5% discount and Amount per unit (=G2/F2). Use Evaluate Formula on one of them.