• Formulas and Functions in Microsoft Excel allow users to perform complete features"Matte Screen (is amazing)" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Travis Isaacs (Travis Isaacs) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
  
  

The Difference Between Formulas and Functions

• A formula is a calculation statement such as "1 + 2." A function is similar to a formula, but includes a code that specifies an action or calculation to be performed. For example, to use a function in our previous example, the word "sum" would be inserted into the statement.
  
  

Creating Formulas and Functions Manually

• To manually type a formula in a cell, begin by inserting the equal sign, "=". All formulas and functions must start this way. For example, if you have a list of numbers in cells "A1" through "A4" that you would like the total in cell "A5," you would type "=sum(A1:A4)" into cell "A5." The colon in a formula or function means "through." In our example, we are asking Excel to give us the sum of "A1" through "A4."
  
  

The Insert Function Wizard

• When you would like to perform a formula or function, but are not sure how to enter the statement in manually, the Insert Function Wizard will help you. Click on the cell you would like the answer to your query to appear in. Then click on the icon directly to the left of the Formula Bar that looks like a lowercase letter "f." The Insert Function Wizard dialog box will open and allow you to search and find the feature you would like performed. Excel will then walk you through the steps you need to follow to get the desired result.
  
  

Copying in the Sheet

• To copy a result of a formula or function down through other cells, place your mouse over the lower right corner of the cell. You will see the AutoFill Handle when your mouse becomes a black cross. Click and drag to select the cells you would like to copy your results to. For example, a total of row 1 is in cell "F1." You would like the same results for the data in rows 2 through 6. Use the AutoFill Handle to copy the formula from cell "F1" down to cells "F2" through "F6."
  
  

Absolute and Relative References

• Formulas and Functions are made up of references, which are the letters and numbers that reference a cell, such as "A1." When copying a formula or function to other cells, it will automatically change relative to where you copy to. For example, cell "F1" contains the formula "=sum(A1:E1)." If you copy it to cell "F2" you'll get "=sum(A2:E2)." These formulas are all Relative References, that change relative to the location you copy to.
  
  To copy a formula while keeping a reference from changing, insert a dollar sign, "$," before each reference you want to stay the same. For example, if you did not want cell "A1" to change when you copy it, your formula would look like: "=sum($A$1:E1)." This makes "A1" an Absolute Reference, which will absolutely never change when copied.