202RX1/0 Point & Click (Essential Formulae in Spreadsheets)

The greatest power of spreadsheets is that they can be programmed (the formula) to do the maths as you update the data

The most basic calculations are:

• add +
• subtract (minus) –
• multiply *
• divide /

These symbols are keys on your keyboard (on the main keyboard – you will need SHIFT for the * as it is over the 8). They are also on the calculator keyboard of a desktop computer

• The answer of the calculation will display instead of the formula
• You tell the spreadsheet you are about to write a formula by always starting with = (equals)
• You can combine + – / * according to the maths you need
• You can build very complex formulae
  eg =(A1*B5)+(D4/F4)
• Formulae should never contain numbers! (*there are exceptions)

Using Point & Click

• you really need to be able to write formulae using cell references!
• Point & Click uses the mouse to input the cell reference
  • P&C helps avoid thinking about using numbers in formulae
• ideally you will be skilled enough to use both methods simultaneously