IInputting a Formula into a Cell

For the sake of example, let’s try making a table that contains data based on the formula <PRICE> σ <QUANTITY> = <TOTAL>. To do this, we would put <PRICE> values in column A, <QUANITY> values in column B, and calculation formulas (like = A1 σ B1, = A2 σ B2, and so on) in column C. If the Auto Calc feature is enabled (On), the values in column C would be recalculated and updated any time we change the values in column A or B.

In this example, note that we must start out the data in column C with the equal sign  in order to indicate it is a formula. In addition to values, arithmetic operators, and cell reference names, a formula also can contain built-in function commands (page 2-11) and special S • SHT mode commands (page 9-14).

SFormula Input Example

 

A

B

C

 

 

 

 

1

PRICE

QUANTITY

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

2

35

15

525

 

 

 

 

3

52

15

780

 

 

 

 

4

78

20

1560

 

 

 

 

Procedure

1.Input the text for line 1, and the applicable values in cells A2 through B4.

2.Move the cursor to cell C2, and input the formula for A2 σ B2.

 ?T(A)A ?J(B)AU

3.Copy the formula in cell C2 and copy it into cells C3 and C4. Move the cell cursor to cell C2 and then perform the following operation.

(EDIT)(COPY)A(PASTE)A(PASTE))

•For details about the copy and paste operations, see “Copying and Pasting Cell Contents” (page 9-10).

IInputting a Cell Reference Name

Each cell on a spreadsheet has what is called a “reference name”, which is derived by combining its column name (A through Z) with its row name (1 through 999). A cell reference name can be used inside of a formula, which makes the value of the called cell part of the formula. See “Inputting a Formula into a Cell” above for more information. There are two methods you can use to input a cell reference name: direct input of the name and input using the GRAB command. The following illustrates how you would use each of these methods to input =A1+5 into cell B1.

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