Basic Excel Formulas
Excel formulas help users perform calculations and data analysis efficiently. Below is a detailed
guide on common formulas, their usage, and practical exercises.
1. Basic Formulas
Formula Description Example
=SUM(A1:A10) Adds all values in the given Adds values from A1 to A10.
range.
=AVERAGE(A1:A10) Returns the average of values in Calculates the mean of A1 to A10.
the range.
=MIN(A1:A10) Finds the smallest value in a Returns the smallest number in A1
range. to A10.
=MAX(A1:A10) Finds the largest value in a range. Returns the largest number in A1 to
A10.
=COUNT(A1:A10) Counts numeric values in a range. Counts how many numbers are in
A1 to A10.
=COUNTA(A1:A10) Counts non-empty cells. Counts all filled cells in A1 to A10.
Example Use Case:
Assume you have sales data in column A (A1:A10). You can calculate the total sales
using =SUM(A1:A10).
Find the average sales amount with =AVERAGE(A1:A10).
2. Logical Formulas
Formula Description Example
=IF(A1>10, "High", "Low") Returns "High" if A1 is greater If A1 is 15, result is
than 10, otherwise "Low". "High".
=IFS(A1>10, "High", A1>5, Returns values based on If A1 is 7, result is
"Medium", TRUE, "Low")
multiple conditions. "Medium".
=AND(A1>5, B1<10) Returns TRUE if both If A1=6 and B1=8,
conditions are met. result is TRUE.
=OR(A1>5, B1<10) Returns TRUE if at least one If A1=3 and B1=12,
condition is met. result is TRUE.
=NOT(A1>10) Reverses logical value. If A1=15, result is
FALSE.
3. Lookup & Reference Formulas
Formula Description Example
=VLOOKUP(50, A2:B10, 2, Looks up 50 in column A and Searches for 50 and returns
FALSE)
returns value from column B. corresponding value.
=HLOOKUP(50, A1:J2, 2, Similar to VLOOKUP but Searches for 50 across a
FALSE)
searches horizontally. row.
=INDEX(A2:C5, 2, 3) Returns the value at 2nd row, Returns a specific cell
3rd column of range. value.
=MATCH(50, A2:A10, 0) Finds the position of 50 in Returns row number of 50
range. in A2:A10.
=INDEX(B2:B10, MATCH(50, Combination of INDEX and Retrieves value based on
A2:A10, 0))
MATCH. search.
=CHOOSE(2, "Apple", Returns "Banana" (2nd item). Selects from a list of values.
"Banana", "Cherry")
4. Text Functions
Formula Description Example
=LEFT(A1, 3) Extracts first 3 characters. If A1="Excel", result is "Exc".
=RIGHT(A1, 3) Extracts last 3 characters. If A1="Excel", result is "cel".
=MID(A1, 2, 3) Extracts 3 characters from If A1="Excel", result is "xce".
2nd position.
=LEN(A1) Returns length of text. If A1="Excel", result is 5.
=TRIM(A1) Removes extra spaces. If A1=" Excel ", result is
"Excel".
=TEXT(A1, "MM/DD/YYYY") Formats a number as text. Converts a date format.
=SUBSTITUTE(A1, "old", Replaces old with new in If A1="Hello old", result is
"new")
text. "Hello new".
5. Date & Time Functions
Formula Description Example
=TODAY() Returns the current date. Displays today's date.
=NOW() Returns current date and time. Displays date and time now.
=YEAR(A1) Extracts year from a date. If A1=12/31/2023, result is 2023.
=MONTH(A1) Extracts month from date. If A1=12/31/2023, result is 12.
=DAY(A1) Extracts day from date. If A1=12/31/2023, result is 31.
=DATEDIF(A1, B1, "Y") Finds age in years. Calculates years between dates.
Sales Table for Practice
Name Total Sales Commissio Salary Tips
n
John 5000 500 2000 200
Jane 7000 700 2500 300
Mark 6500 650 2200 250
Lisa 4800 480 2100 180
Tom 7200 720 2700 350
Emma 6900 690 2300 320
Alan 5600 560 2200 260
Chris 7400 740 2800 400
Anna 5300 530 2100 230
Mike 6200 620 2300 270
Practice Exercises
1. Calculate Total Earnings: Use the formula =SUM(B2:E2) for each employee.
2. Find the Highest and Lowest Sales: Use =MAX(B2:B11) and =MIN(B2:B11).
3. Find the Average Commission: Use =AVERAGE(C2:C11).
4. Identify High Earners: Use =IF(B2>6000, "High Earner", "Low Earner").
5. Use VLOOKUP: Find the commission for "Emma" using =VLOOKUP("Emma", A2:E11,
3, FALSE).
By practicing these exercises, you will improve your proficiency with Excel formulas!
