Lesson 4: Introduction to Functions Unit 2: Basic Formulas and Functions Lesson 4: Introduction to Functions

Lesson 4: Introduction to Functions Objectives: Define function Know the parts of a function Describe common functions Enter functions in a spreadsheet

What is a Function? A function is a predefined formula. It allows you to quickly enter a formula. Functions perform a calculation based on values, such as numbers and cell references, that are entered in the function.

The equal sign tells the spreadsheet a calculation is to be performed. Function Structure = Functions must start with an equal sign in the first character of the cell. The equal sign tells the spreadsheet a calculation is to be performed.

= SUM Function Structure The function name indicates the operation to be performed, such as a sum.

= SUM (D1:D4) Function Structure Arguments are the information you want to use in the function’s calculation. Can refer to both individual cells and cell ranges. Can include one argument or multiple arguments.

Common Functions: SUM The SUM function adds all the values in a range of cells. (Blank cells or cells with text are ignored.)

Common Functions: AVERAGE The AVERAGE function calculates the average in a range of cells by summing the cells and dividing by the number of cells used to find the sum.

Common Functions: COUNT The COUNT function counts the cells with numerical values in the range of cells.

Common Functions: MAX The MAX function finds the largest value included in a range of cells.

Common Functions: MIN The MIN function finds the smallest value included in a range of cells.

Summary In this lesson, you learned about functions, their structure and how to enter functions in a spreadsheet.