Excel Hacks: Quick Formulas to Save You Time

February 8, 2025

Excel Hacks: Quick Formulas to Save You Time

Microsoft Excel is a sophisticated spreadsheet program that helps users proficiently compute, scrutinize, and organize data. Knowing the basics of formulas can aid in saving time, enhancing accuracy, and increasing the quality of decisions made.

This tutorial is meant to teach users key Excel formulas like SUM, MIN, MAX, COUNT, AVERAGE, and Reference formulas.


1. Application of SUM Formula in Excel

The SUM formula is used to add numbers in a specified range of cells.

Steps to Apply the SUM Formula

  1. Select and click the “Formulas” tab.
  2. Click the “AutoSum” drop-down arrow and select “Sum”.
  3. Select your target cells with the numbers.
  4. Click “Enter” to view the total.
  5. After, click the result cell and drag it down to other cells.

The SUM formula adds numbers without the hassle of complicated and tiring legwork calculations.


2. Application of the MIN Formula in Excel

The MIN formula will help you calculate the smallest number in a group of numbers.

Steps to Apply the MIN Formula

  1. Select the “Formulas” tab.
  2. Click the AutoSum drop-down arrow and choose “Min.”
  3. Indicate the target data range.
  4. Click on “Enter” to reveal the smallest value.
  5. If you pull down the cell with the final result, the formula will be executed in the selected cells.

Making use of the MIN formula enables you to determine the smallest number in a data set.


3. Use of the MAX Formula in Excel

With the MAX formula, you can retrieve the greatest value in your selected data set.

Steps to Apply the MAX Formula

  1. Open the “Formulas” Tab.
  2. Click the AutoSum button and choose Max from the list that appears below it.
  3. Select the appropriate target cells to be compared.
  4. Hit the Enter key for your figure to appear.
  5. If you drag down the cell with the result, the formula will be executed in the remaining rows.

This function aids to determine maximum figures in various reports.


4. Use of the COUNT Formula in Excel

The COUNT formula applies to a range of values and gives you the total count of entries containing numbers.

Steps to Apply the COUNT Formula

  1. Select any blank cell.
  2. Type =COUNT( inclusive of the bracket but without spaces.
  3. Specify the target data range.
  4. Press Enter.

This feature assists in monitoring every numeric value in a range.


5. Use the AVERAGE Formula in Excel

The AVERAGE formula provides a mean of the specified dataset.

Steps to Apply the AVERAGE Formula

  1. Access the “Formulas” tab.
  2. Click on the downward arrow next to “AutoSUM” and click on “Average”.
  3. Highlight your selected set of figures.
  4. Push “Enter” for an average.
  5. Pull the cell with the result down to replicate to other rows.

This function will assist in calculating average in financial billing, academic grading, and sales figures.


6. Reference formula 1-b Archways portal

The Reference Formula transfers information from one cell to another.

Steps to Apply Reference Formula

  1. Place “=” in the cell where the information should be shifted.
  2. Pointer the source cell, which contains the information you want to transfer.
  3. Finally, hit “Enter”, and the information from the source cell will get copied to the selected cell.
  4. Use the drag function to facilitate transferring multiple cells.
  5. While using the “$” sign”, always remember it is used for column and row locking. A perfect example can be ($A$1).
  6. Hit F4 for quick absolute referencing.

This formula helps connect different data within separate sheets and columns.


Key Takeaway

All mentioned below are common formula operations on Excel Spreadsheet.

  • Adding values in a dataset is best achieved with the SUM formula.
  • Getting the lowest and highest primitives is done through MIN and MAX formulas.
  • The number in a selected area is totaled through the use of a COUNT formula.
  • When a mid value from a selected range is required, an AVERAGE formula is used.
  • Reference formula are used for linking multiple cells from diverse regions.
  • Column and row locking can be done through saying “$“.

Mastering these Excel formulas will allow you to complete tasks faster, enhance your analytical skills, and boost your overall effectiveness.

Categories: Learning Excel

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