Formulas vs Functions
A Formula is an expression written by the user that calculates the value of a cell (e.g., =A1+B1). A Function is a built-in, predefined formula in the spreadsheet software (e.g., =SUM(A1:B1)). All formulas and functions must begin with an equal sign (=).
Basic Mathematical & Statistical Functions
| Function | Syntax | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SUM | =SUM(range) | Adds all the numbers in the specified range. |
| AVERAGE | =AVERAGE(range) | Calculates the arithmetic mean of the numbers. |
| MAX | =MAX(range) | Returns the largest numeric value in the range. |
| MIN | =MIN(range) | Returns the smallest numeric value in the range. |
| COUNT | =COUNT(range) | Counts the number of cells that contain numbers (ignores text). |
| COUNTA | =COUNTA(range) | Counts the number of cells that are not empty (includes text and numbers). |
Database Functions (D-Functions)
Database functions perform calculations on specific records (rows) in a database (a structured table of data) that match criteria you specify. They require three arguments: Database (the entire table including headers), Field (the column to calculate), and Criteria (a separate range defining the conditions).
DSUM
=DSUM(database, field, criteria)
Adds the numbers in a column of a list or database that match conditions you specify.
DAVERAGE
=DAVERAGE(database, field, criteria)
Averages the values in a column of a list or database that match conditions.
DMAX / DMIN
Returns the maximum (or minimum) value in a column based on the specified criteria.
DCOUNT
Counts the cells containing numbers in a column based on the criteria.