For example, the following formula results in the value of 11, because Excel calculates multiplication before addition. To change the order of evaluation, enclose in parentheses the part of the formula to be calculated first. In some cases, the order in which calculation is performed can affect the return value of the formula, so it's important to understand the order- and how you can change the order to obtain the results you expect to see. Reference operator, which is used to indicate implicit intersection in a order in which Excel performs operations in formulas Spilled range operator, which is used to reference an entire range in a dynamic array (at) In most cases, you can widen the column until the contents display properly. Used to indicate insufficient space to render.

The # symbol is used in several contexts: Intersection operator, which produces a reference to cells common to the two references.

Union operator, which combines multiple references into one reference. Range operator, which produces one reference to all the cells between two references, including the two references. If you used the example numbers, the result is -2.Combine ranges of cells for calculations with these operators. If you don't see the status bar, on the View menu, click Status Bar. On the status bar, look at the value next to Sum=. If you see a date instead of the result that you expected, select the cell, and then on the Home tab, under Number, click General on the pop-up menu. If you used the example numbers, the result is 2. In cell E1, type an equal sign ( =) to start the formula. When you use cell references in a formula instead of the cell value, you can change the value without having to change the formula. If you use the example numbers, the result is 32.Ī cell reference combines the column letter and row number, such as A1 or F345. The total is 86.Ĭlick any blank cell, and then type an equal sign ( =) to start a formula.Īfter the equal sign, type a few numbers that are separated by a minus sign (-). On the status bar, look at the value next to Sum. Type a few numbers in a column, or in a row, and then select the range of cells that you just filled. If you see a date instead of the result that you expected, select the cell, and then on the Home tab, select General. If you change the value of C1 or D1 and then press RETURN, the value of E1 will change, even though the formula did not.

Excel formula subtract cells