How formulas work in Google Sheets
A formula is an instruction that tells Google Sheets to calculate something. Every formula begins with an equals sign =. Without it, Sheets treats what you type as plain text.
Instead of typing numbers directly, formulas usually point at cell references such as B2 (column B, row 2). When the value in B2 changes, every formula that uses it recalculates automatically. That is the whole point of a spreadsheet.
Operators you'll use constantly
| Operator | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
+ | Add | =B2+C2 |
- | Subtract | =B2-C2 |
* | Multiply | =B2*C2 |
/ | Divide | =B2/C2 |
^ | Power | =B2^2 |
Tip: While typing a formula, click a cell instead of typing its address. Sheets inserts the reference for you, and so does the practice sheet above.