Arithmetic operators are the core of numerical computation, enabling fundamental calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, Division, exponentiation, and modulus operations. While these operators are the building blocks of mathematical operations, they can also spark confusion, particularly in tools like Excel. Do you want to master arithmetic operators in Excel correctly and effectively?
This article will guide you to master arithmetic operators in Excel. If you want to know that, take advantage of these tutorials.
I. What are Arithmetic Operators in Excel
Arithmetic operators in Excel are symbols or characters that represent specific mathematical operations performed on numerical values within cells or formulas. These operators enable you to carry out fundamental calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, Division, exponentiation, and modulus operations, which are essential for various tasks in spreadsheet applications.
Here's a brief explanation of each arithmetic operator in Excel:
Plus sign (+): The plus symbol adds two or more numerical values together. Just like in simple mathematics, 2 + 2 = 4. Similarly, in Excel, the formula "=A1 + B1" would add the values in cells A1 and B1.
Minus sign (-): The minus symbol subtracts one numerical value from another. For example, the formula "=C1 - D1" would subtract the value in cell D1 from the value in cell C1.
Asterisk (*): The asterisk symbol represents multiplication. It is used to multiply two or more numerical values. If you have values in cells A1 and B1, the formula "=A1 * B1" would calculate their product.
Forward slash or Division (/): The forward slash symbol is used for Division. It divides one numerical value by another. If you have values in cells A1 and B1, the formula "=A1 / B1" would calculate the quotient.
Caret symbol (^): The caret symbol raises a number to a specific power. For example, if you want to calculate 2 raised to the power of 3, you would use the formula "=2^3," which yields 8.
Percentage symbol (%): The percent symbol represents the modulus operation, also known as the remainder operation. It calculates the remainder when one numerical value is divided by another.
Understanding and effectively using these arithmetic operators is crucial for performing various Excel calculations and data analysis tasks. By harnessing their power, you can create complex formulas and functions to efficiently manipulate and analyze your data.
How to Use Arithmetic Operators in Excel
In Excel, there are six major arithmetic operators that you can use to perform calculations.
Addition (+)
Subtraction (-)
Multiplication (*)
Division (/)
Percent (%)
Exponentiation (^)
In this article, we will explore each of them to master the calculations in Excel. Let's dive into it.
1. Addition (+):
The addition operator in Excel calculates the sum of two or more values. The Syntax of addition operation is : =number1 + number2 Example: =A1 + B1
To use different operators, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open a blank Workbook in Excel.
Step 2: Add data in cells to perform calculations. And place the cursor in the cell where you want to put the result.
Step 3: Go to the Insert Function tab as shown type =number1 + number2, Press Enter. For example, we used the addition operation for two numbers, 200 and 250, and their sum is 450.
Step 4: Your sum of two values will be added to its designated cell.
Alternatively, if you have large values like 4000000000, then adding values for each calculation will become a headache. Don't worry; here is a simple tip to handle large-size numbers.
Step 5: Use the cell locations of numbers on which you want to perform addition.
When you add the cell location of a number, it will be highlighted, as shown in the picture below.
For example, instead of adding values themselves, add their cell locations to add them. I used A2 for "200" and B2 for "250". Because the number "200" lies in the second row of column A and "250" lies in the second row of column B.
2. Subtraction (-):
The subtraction operator is used to subtract or subtract one value from another.
Go to the insert function tab and type =values or cell locations you want to subtract in the formula bar.
For example, if you want to subtract B2 from A2. Type =B2-A2 or =250-200.
Alternatively, Type cell location in formula bar. Type =B2-A2 in formula bar and press enter.
Step: You will get the difference between two cell values.
3. Multiplication (*):
Asterisk operator calculates multiplication between the two numbers. Go to the insert function tab. You can insert the cell's location or values to perform multiplication.
4. Division (/):
The forward slash performs Division between two or more numbers. Use the Syntax: Dividend/divisor. For example, divide B2 with A2.
You can directly enter values to perform multiplication operations between them.
5. Percentage (%):
Percentage operator converts numeric values into percentage. If you want to add a percentage sign with a value in a cell, Enter the values in a cell and then the percentage operator from the keyboard.
If you want to calculate the percentage of a value, type the value, add a percentage sign, use the asterisk operator, and then add another cell value.
6. Exponent (^):
Excel allows you to raise the number to any power. You can directly enter an exponent operator from the keyboard and use a number to raise the power. You can calculate squares, cubes, and up to any power you want.
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FAQs
1. What is the correct order of operations in arithmetic equations in Excel?
The correct order of operations in arithmetic equations, often referred to as the "Order of Operations" or "PEMDAS" (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction), is crucial to ensure accurate calculations in Excel:
Parentheses: Perform calculations within parentheses or brackets first.
Exponents: Calculate any exponential operations.
Multiplication and Division: Multiplication and Division from left to right.
Addition and Subtraction: Finally, perform addition and subtraction from left to right.
This order ensures that calculations are executed in a structured and consistent manner.
2. Which arithmetic operator has the highest priority?
Exponentiation operators have the highest priority; exponentiation calculations are performed before any other arithmetic operations, including multiplication, Division, addition, and subtraction, because they require complex calculations and can affect the accuracy of data to a large extent.
Summary
In summary, arithmetic operators in Excel help to simplify more extensive calculations in a few seconds, saving time and effort. We explored how to use arithmetic operators to help you evaluate complex calculations.
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