Entering Simple Functions and Use AUTOSUM in an Excel Worksheet

A function is a pre-defined formula that performs a particular type of calculation. The SUM function is one of the most commonly used functions in Excel. MIN, MAX, and AVERAGE are other simple functions used frequently. These functions only works if there are numbers in the specific cells.

 

Function are usually written as: =name of function(number1, number2, ...).

 

AUTOSUM is fast and easy way to add a column or row of values. It should be a button on your toolbar.

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How To Use the SUM function:

1. Select the cell where you want the result to appear (ex: A4).
2. Type =SUM.
3. Enter a parenthesis.
4. Select the range of cells you want add together OR type in the cell references.
5. Enter another parenthesis
6. Press Enter.
7. The result will appear in A4. If A4 is the active cell the formula will appear in the formula bar.

How To Use the AVERAGE function:

You can use the AVERAGE function to calculate the average of a list of numbers.

1. Select the cell in which you want to result to appear.
2. Type =AVERAGE
3. Enter a parenthesis.
4. Select the range of cells you want average OR type in the cell references.
5. Enter another parenthesis
6. Press Enter.

How To Use the MIN function:

You can use the MIN or minimum function to calculate the smallest value in a list of numbers.

1. Select the cell in which you want to result to appear.
2. Type =MIN
3. Enter a parenthesis.
4. Select the range of cells you want average OR type in the cell references.
5. Enter another parenthesis.
6. Press Enter.

How To Use the MAX function:

You can use the MAX or maximum function to calculate the largest value in a list of numbers.

1. Select the cell in which you want to result to appear.
2. Type =MAX
3. Enter a parenthesis.
4. Select the range of cells you want average OR type in the cell references.
5. Enter another parenthesis.
6. Press Enter.

How To Use AUTOSUM :

You can use AUTOSUM to automatically enter the SUM function and add a list of numbers. When you click on the button, Excel will guess the range of cells you want to add. You are able to change that range.

1. Select the cell in which you want to result to appear.
2. Office 2003: Click the AUTOSUM button in Toolbar (·).
   Office 2007: On the Home tab, in the Editing group, click on the SUM icon.
3. Observe the formula bar. The range that Excel guessed is displayed.
4. If the guess is correct, press Enter. You are done.
5. If the guess is incorrect, select the range of cells you want to use.
6. Press Enter.