One considerable advantage of using a spreadsheet is that its formulas are dynamic: If you change the spreadsheet’s data, the answer will be recalculated automatically wherever it appears without you having to re-enter the formula.
Creating a Basic Formula: Start With the Equal Sign
The steps for creating a basic formula are the same ones to follow when writing more complex formulas. In our sample formula, we’ll first add the numbers 5 and 3 and then subtract 4.
Using Pointing to Add Cell References
The best way to add cell references is to use a feature called point and click, which allows you to click on the cell containing your data to add its cell reference to the formula. A1 : 3A2 : 2A3 : 4 asdf
Mathematical Operators in a Google Sheets Formula
As seen in previous steps, writing a formula in a Google spreadsheet is not difficult. Just combine the cell references of your data with the correct mathematical operator. The mathematical operators used in Google Sheets (and Microsoft Excel) formulas are similar to those used in math class:
Subtraction - minus sign (-) Addition - plus sign (+) Division - forward-slash (/) Multiplication - asterisk (*) Exponentiation - caret (^)
The Google Sheets Order of Operations
If more than one operator is used in a formula, Google Sheets follows a specific order of operations, which you can change by adding brackets to the equation. An easy way to remember the order of operations is to use the acronym BEDMAS: Any operation(s) contained in brackets will be carried out first, followed by any exponents. After that, Google Sheets considers division or multiplication operations equally important and carries out these operations in the order they occur, left to right, in the equation. The same goes for the next two operations: addition and subtraction. They are considered equal in the order of operations. Whichever appears first in an equation is carried out first.
