While you can type numbers directly (e.g., =5+2 ), it is best practice to use cell references (e.g., =A1+B1 ). This allows the result to update automatically if the data in those cells changes. Basic Formulas and Operators
Formulas are custom instructions you create using standard mathematical operators. Excel 2010 follows the standard mathematical order of operations (). Mathematical Operation + =A1+B1 - Subtraction =A1-B1 * Multiplication =A1*B1 / =A1/B1 ^ Exponentiation =A1^B1 % Percentage =A1% Sources: Understanding Functions Formulas and Functions – Microsoft Excel 2010
Every formula or function must begin with an equal sign. This signals to Excel that the following characters should be interpreted as a calculation rather than plain text. While you can type numbers directly (e