1. European Computer Driving Licence Module 4 – Spreadsheets Chapter 4.2 - Formulae

2. Formulae ZThe best part of spreadsheets is formulae which make it possible to perform calculations automatically ZYou can add, subtract, multiply and divide cells ZAll formulae start with an equals sign ZThis tells Excel that you are going to insert a formula as opposed to text or numbers Z You may find it easier to use the keys on the right hand side of the keyboard to type the symbols! + add - minus * multiply / divide

3. Selecting Cells ZClick in the intersection of row and column headers to select all cells ZClick on a column header to select a column ZClick on a row header to select a row ZTo select non adjacent cells hold down the Ctrl key whilst you click on cells or column or row headers (the last cell clicked will appear white) ZWhen you select a range of cells the first cell will be coloured white, the rest pale blue

4. Formatting cells ZTo format cells, select the cells you want to format and click on the bold, italics, underline icons ZTo remove formatting, select the cell(s) and click on the icons again to switch them off ZTo see more formatting options, select the cells, select Cells from the Format menu and click on the Font tab

5. Inserting a border ZSelect the cells you want to apply a border to ZFrom the Format menu select Cells (or right click and select Format cells) ZClick the Border tab, First click in the Style section to select a style and/or colour, Next click on the border icons to select non-standard borders – the preview will show your choices, Click OK

6. Entering formulae ZClick where you want the result to appear ZType an equal sign ZType the first cell reference (eg A2) ZPress + - * / as appropriate ZType the second cell reference (eg A3) ZPress the Enter key to confirm The result of the formula appears in the spreadsheet The formula is displayed in the formula bar

7. Automatic Recalculation ZIf you have entered your formula correctly and if you change a number, Excel will recalculate! ZDon’t insert a space into a cell used in a formula otherwise you will receive an error message #VALUE! ZSimilarly if you try to divide a cell by 0 or an empty cell, #DIV/0! will appear Z If either of these messages appear, check that your formula points to the right cells and that the cells contain the right information!

8. Enter formulae by pointing ZInstead of typing in a formula such as =A2+A3, you can use the mouse to point at the cells in the formula. ZClick in the cell to contain the formula ZType an equals sign ZClick on cell A2 ZType a plus sign ZClick on cell A3 ZPress the Enter key to confirm As you click on the cells, notice how Excel inserts the cell reference!

9. Formatting numbers ZTo format numbers to display to 2 decimal places with a thousands separator, select the cells, right-click in the selection and select Format cells ZOn the Number tab click the checkbox Use 1000 separator (,) Z Click OK.