Google Sheets Syntax

Syntax

A formula in Google Sheets is used to do mathematical calculations. Formulas always start with the equal sign = typed in the cell, followed by your calculation.

Creating formulas, step by step

• Select a cell
• Type the equal sign (=)
• Select a cell or type a value
• Enter an arithmetic operator
• Select another cell or a type value
• Press Enter

For example =1+1 is the formula to calculate 1+1=2

Using Formulas with Cells

You can type values to cells and use them in your formulas.

Lets type some dummy values to get started. Double click the cells to type values into them. Go ahead and type:

• A1(309)
• A2(320)
• B1(39)
• B2(35)

Compare with the picture shown below:

309 39 320 35

Copy Values

Well done! You have successfully typed values to cells and now we can use them to create formulas.

Here is how to do it, step by step.

1. Select the cell C1
2. Type the equal sign (=)
3. Select A1, the cell that has the (309) value
4. Type the minus sign (-)
5. Select B2, the cell that has the (35) value
6. Hit enter

The result after hitting the Enter button is C1(274). Did you make it?

Another Example

Let's try one more example, this time let's make the formula =A2-B1.

Here is how to do it, step by step.

1. Select the cell C2
2. Type the equal sign (=)
3. Select A2, the cell that has the (320) value
4. Type the minus sign (-)
5. Select B1, the cell that has the (39) value
6. Hit the Enter button

You got the result C2(281), right? Way to go!

Here are some examples:

• =2+4 gives you 6
• =4-2 gives you 2
• =2*4 gives you 8
• =2/4 gives you 0.5

In the next chapter you will learn about Ranges and how data can be moved in the Sheet.