The next time you need to “do the math,” do it in Excel with the basic math functions explained in Excel Video 231. Excel makes it easy to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Today we’ll go through an example of each function in the context of a sample fee schedule. As long as you know that each Excel formula starts with the equals sign and the +, -, *, and / symbols Excel uses, you’re well on your way to getting Excel to do the math for you.
As you watch, notice that I always use cell references, not the actual numbers, whenever I can in my formulas. If my formula is =78.54 – 47.95, I’ll get the same answer if I use =B14-B13. The advantage of using B14 and B13 is that it makes my formula very easy to copy for use in other areas of my spreadsheet.
