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Excel Formula Basics

Understand formulas, cell references and calculation order.

After this lessonWrite formulas that reference cells and copy safely.

How it works

Excel formulas begin with = and can combine values, cell references, operators and functions. Relative references such as B2 change when copied, while $B$2 stays fixed.

Build formulas from small pieces and verify a few rows manually before filling them down a large dataset.

REAL WORK

Calculate line value from quantity × unit price or convert cycle seconds into minutes.

SYNTAX

The pattern

=B2*C2

Example

=B2*C2

TRY IT

Test the formula

The sample sheet is local to this page. Change the formula and see the result immediately.

Result

QUICK CHECK

Which reference stays fixed when copied?

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