Order of operations

Know the order a formula does its math in, and use parentheses to get the answer you mean.

Beginner · 9 min · 11 steps

In this lesson

  • The order: parentheses, then ^ (power), then * and /, then + and -.
  • A margin needs parentheses: =(E2-F2)/E2.
  • % belongs to the number right before it: =E2*25% is 25% of E2.

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Why your formula broke when you copied it

Lock a cell with $ so a formula keeps working when you copy it down.

Beginner · 7 min · Free, with no sign-up

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Skill
Formula basics
Stage
Beginner

Where it sits in Formula basics 10 lessons

And 4 more, up to Named ranges for readable formulas. See the whole skill

The steps

11 steps: 3 explanations, 4 Do this, 4 questions, then Your turn.

Try a free lesson first

Why your formula broke when you copied it

Lock a cell with $ so a formula keeps working when you copy it down.

Beginner · 7 min · Free, with no sign-up

Do the free lesson on your computer.

Send yourself the link and open it on a laptop or desktop.

On your computer, go tolearnford.com/go/GX5R