Basic Arithmetic Operations in Excel

Excel provides a wide range of arithmetic operations that you can use to perform calculations on numerical data. These operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation. In this section, we will explore how to use these basic arithmetic operations in Excel.

Table of Contents

Addition (+)

To add numbers in Excel, simply use the plus symbol (+) between the numbers or cell references.

If you want to add the values in cells A1 and B1 and display the result in cell C1, you can use the formula "=A1+B1".

Subtraction (-)

To subtract numbers in Excel, use the minus sign (-) between the numbers you want to subtract.

If you want to subtract the value in cell B1 from the value in cell A1 and display the result in cell C1, you can use the formula "=A1-B1".

Multiplication (*)

To multiply numbers in Excel, use the asterisk (*) between the numbers you want to multiply.

If you want to multiply the values in cells A1 and B1 and display the result in cell C1, you can use the formula "=A1*B1".

Division (/)

To divide numbers in Excel, use the forward slash symbol (/) between the numbers or cell references.

To divide the value in cell A1 by the value in cell B1 and display the result in cell C1, you can use the formula "=A1/B1".

Exponentiation (^)

To raise a number to a power (exponentiation) in Excel, use the caret symbol (^) between the base number and the exponent.

To calculate the square of the value in cell A1 and display the result in cell B1, you can use the formula "=A1^2".

Excel follows the standard order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS), meaning that calculations within parentheses are performed first, followed by exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. If you need to enforce a specific order of operations, you can use parentheses to group the desired calculations.

By utilizing these basic arithmetic operations in Excel, you can perform calculations and manipulate numerical data efficiently and accurately and create the basis for complex calculations and custom formulas.