Spreadsheets- Advanced Calculations

Functions

A function is a predefine equation used to calculate the results of one or more values. All functions require the use of ranges of cell names rather than amounts. Some of the functions we will explore include:

Addition: sum

Average: Average

Highest value in a list: max

Lowest value in a list: min

To create a formula with a function:

1. Click in the cell you wish to create the formula
2. Type "="
3. Type the function name
4. Type "("
5. Select the range of cells you wish to calculate
6. Type ")"

Functions

About functions

Functions are predefined formulas that perform calculations by using specific values, called arguments, in a particular order, or structure. Functions can be used to perform simple or complex calculations. For example, the ROUND function rounds off a number in cell A10.

Structure of a function

Structure. The structure of a function begins with an equal sign (=), followed by the function name, an opening parenthesis, the arguments for the function separated by commas, and a closing parenthesis.

Function name list:

1. Click a cell
2. Press SHIFT+F3

. Arguments can be numbers, text, logical values such as TRUE or FALSE, arrays, error values such as #N/A, or cell references. The argument you designate must produce a valid value for that argument. Arguments can also be constants, formulas, or other functions.

Argument tooltip. A tooltip with the syntax and arguments appears as you type the function. For example, type =ROUND and the tooltip appears. Tooltips only appear for built-in functions.

Entering formulas: When you create a formula that contains a function, the Insert Function dialog box helps you enter worksheet functions. As you enter a function into the formula, the Insert Function dialog box displays the name of the function, each of its arguments, a description of the function and each argument, the current result of the function, and the current result of the entire formula.

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