How to Create Basic Formulas in Google Sheets

Introduction

This guide will walk you through the steps to create basic formulas in Google Sheets, including how to sum a range of cells. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of how to enter formulas and troubleshoot common errors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Understanding Basic Formulas

You can use basic formulas in Google Sheets to perform calculations on your data.

Overview of basic formulas in Google Sheets

Selecting the Cell for Your Formula

To create a formula, select the cell where you want to see your answer.

Choosing the Formula to Use

Let's use a formula to add up how much stock we have.

Choosing a formula for stock calculation

Typing the Equation in the FX Bar

First, double-click where you want the total, then type the equation in the FX bar.

Starting with the Equals Sign

Always start a formula with an equals sign, followed by the formula instruction.

Inputting the SUM Function

Type =SUM( followed by the range of cells you want to total.

Specifying the Cell Range

Our range is from D5 to D13, as these are the numbers we want to total.

Closing the Formula

Type D5:D13) and then press enter. If the formula has been entered correctly, the total will immediately be shown in the cell.

Checking for Errors

If you've made a mistake, an error symbol will appear.

Editing the Formula

You can go back to your FX bar and edit the formula until it's correct.

Learning More Formulas

You can learn how to create other formulas by exploring the Google Sheets language.

Conclusion

In this guide, you learned how to create basic formulas in Google Sheets, specifically how to sum a range of cells. With these steps and the visuals provided, you should feel confident in entering and troubleshooting formulas in your Google Sheets projects.