Top Basic Excel Formulas
Time-saving ways to insert formulas into Excel
Basic Excel Formulas Guide
Mastering the basic Excel formulas is critical for beginners to become highly proficient in financial analysis. Microsoft Excel is considered the industry standard piece of software in data analysis. Microsoft’s spreadsheet program also happens to be one of the most preferred software by investment bankers and financial analysts in data processing, financial modeling, and presentation.
This guide will provide an overview and list of some basic Excel functions.
Once you’ve mastered this list, move on to CFI’s Advanced Excel Formulas guide!
Basic Terms in Excel
There are two basic ways to perform calculations in Excel: Formulas and Functions.
1. Formulas
In Excel, a formula is an expression that operates on values in a range of cells or a cell. For example, =A1+A2+A3, which finds the sum of the range of values from cell A1 to cell A3.
2. Functions
Functions are predefined formulas in Excel. They eliminate laborious manual entry of formulas while giving them human-friendly names. For example: =SUM(A1:A3). The function sums all the values from A1 to A3.
Key Highlights
- Excel is still the industry benchmark for financial analysis and modeling across almost all corporate finance functions. This course is designed to highlight some of the most important basic Excel formulas.
- Mastering these will help a learner build confidence in Excel and move on to more difficult functions and formulas.
- There are also several different ways to enter a function in Excel, as shown below.
Five Time-saving Ways to Insert Data into Excel
When analyzing data, there are five common ways of inserting basic Excel formulas. Each strategy comes with its own advantages. Therefore, before diving further into the main formulas, we’ll clarify those methods, so you can create your preferred workflow earlier on.
1. Simple insertion: Typing a formula inside the cell
Typing a formula in a cell or the formula bar is the most straightforward method of inserting basic Excel formulas. The process usually starts by typing an equal sign, followed by the name of an Excel function.
Excel is quite intelligent in that when you start typing the name of the function, a pop-up function hint will show (see below). It’s from this list you’ll select your preference. However, don’t press the Enter key after making your selection. Instead, press the Tab key and Excel will automatically fill in the function name.
2. Using Insert Function Option from Formulas Tab
If you want full control of your function’s insertion, using the Excel Insert Function dialogue box is all you ever need. To achieve this, go to the Formulas tab and select the first menu labeled Insert Function. The dialogue box will contain all the functions you need to complete your financial analysis.
3. Selecting a Formula from One of the Groups in Formula Tab
This option is for those who want to delve into their favorite functions quickly. To find this menu, navigate to the Formulas tab and select your preferred group. Click to show a sub-menu filled with a list of functions.
From there, you can select your preference. However, if you find your preferred group is not on the tab, click on the More Functions option – it’s probably just hidden there.
4. Using AutoSum Option
For quick and everyday tasks, the AutoSum function is your go-to option. Navigate to the Formulas tab and click the AutoSum option. Then click the caret to show other hidden formulas. This option is also available in the Home tab.
5. Quick Insert: Use Recently Used Tabs
If you find re-typing your most recent formula a monotonous task, then use the Recently Used selection. It’s on the Formulas tab, a third menu option just next to AutoSum.
Free Excel Formulas YouTube Tutorial
Watch CFI’s FREE video tutorial to quickly learn the most important Excel formulas. By watching the video demonstration you’ll quickly learn the most important formulas and functions.
Seven Basic Excel Formulas For Your Workflow
Since you’re now able to insert your preferred formulas and function correctly, let’s check some fundamental Excel functions to get you started.
1. SUM
The SUM function is the first must-know formula in Excel. It usually aggregates values from a selection of columns or rows from your selected range.
=SUM(number1, [number2], …)
Example:
=SUM(B2:G2) – A simple selection that sums the values of a row.
=SUM(A2:A8) – A simple selection that sums the values of a column.
=SUM(A2:A7, A9, A12:A15) – A sophisticated collection that sums values from range A2 to A7, skips A8, adds A9, jumps A10 and A11, then finally adds from A12 to A15.
=SUM(A2:A8)/20 – Shows you can also turn your function into a formula.
2. AVERAGE
The AVERAGE function should remind you of simple averages of data, such as the average number of shareholders in a given shareholding pool.
=AVERAGE(number1, [number2], …)
Example:
=AVERAGE(B2:B11) – Shows a simple average, also similar to (SUM(B2:B11)/10)
3. COUNT
The COUNT function counts all cells in a given range that contain only numeric values.
=COUNT(value1, [value2], …)
Example:
COUNT(A:A) – Counts all values that are numerical in A column. However, you must adjust the range inside the formula to count rows.
COUNT(A1:C1) – Now it can count rows.
4. COUNTA
Like the COUNT function, COUNTA counts all cells in a given rage. However, it counts all cells regardless of type. That is, unlike COUNT that only counts numerics, it also counts dates, times, strings, logical values, errors, empty string, or text.
=COUNTA(value1, [value2], …)
Example:
COUNTA(C2:C13) – Counts rows 2 to 13 in column C regardless of type. However, like COUNT, you can’t use the same formula to count rows. You must make an adjustment to the selection inside the brackets – for example, COUNTA(C2:H2) will count columns C to H
5. IF
The IF function is often used when you want to sort your data according to a given logic. The best part of the IF formula is that you can embed formulas and functions in it.
=IF(logical_test, [value_if_true], [value_if_false])
Example:
=IF(C2<D3,“TRUE”,”FALSE”) – Checks if the value at C3 is less than the value at D3. If the logic is true, let the cell value be TRUE, otherwise, FALSE
=IF(SUM(C1:C10) > SUM(D1:D10), SUM(C1:C10), SUM(D1:D10)) – An example of a complex IF statement. First, it sums C1 to C10 and D1 to D10, then it compares the sum. If the sum of C1 to C10 is greater than the sum of D1 to D10, then it makes the value of a cell equal to the sum of C1 to C10.
6. TRIM
The TRIM function makes sure your functions do not return errors due to extra spaces in your data. It ensures that all empty spaces are eliminated. Unlike other functions that can operate on a range of cells, TRIM only operates on a single cell. Therefore, it comes with the downside of adding duplicated data to your spreadsheet.
=TRIM(text)
Example:
TRIM(A2) – Removes empty spaces in the value in cell A2.
7. MAX & MIN
The MAX and MIN functions help in finding the maximum number and the minimum number in a range of values.
=MIN(number1, [number2], …)
Example:
=MIN(B2:C11) – Finds the minimum number between column B from B2 and column C from C2 to row 11 in both columns B and C.
=MAX(number1, [number2], …)
Example:
=MAX(B2:C11) – Similarly, it finds the maximum number between column B from B2 and column C from C2 to row 11 in both columns B and C.
More Resources
Thank you for reading CFI’s guide to basic Excel formulas. To continue your development as a world-class financial analyst, these additional CFI resources will be helpful:
Excel Tutorial
To master the art of Excel, check out CFI’s Excel Crash Course, which teaches you how to become an Excel power user. Learn the most important formulas, functions, and shortcuts to become confident in your financial analysis.
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