Formulas are the essence of Excel. They can combine large quantities of numbers, dates, text, and times anyway you want, from the simplest 2+2=4 to calculations on the frontiers of science and finance. While the jargon can be intimidating, Excel formulas are really easy to write once you know a few common sense rules.

This program will demonstrate and explain everything you need to write your own Excel formulas, and provide a few tips to avoid errors. Topics include:

• What Excel formulas can do, which may be more than you think; 
• Formula syntax, including what’s required and what’s optional;
• The difference between Excel formulas and functions; 
• Tips for entering formulas accurately and making sure they’re correct before using them; 
• How to copy a formula from one cell to many; 
• When you need to use absolute cell references to make formulas copy correctly, and how to write them; 
• How to use simple functions like SUM and COUNT in formulas; and 
• Tips for avoiding errors and locating them when they occur.

There will be plenty of time for questions, so come prepared.

Presenter: Gerald Rosenthal, ComputerImages.com