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Excelspreadsheet~10 mins

Formula structure (=, cell references) in Excel - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

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Sample Data

This table shows numbers in columns A and B. Column C will contain formulas that add values from columns A and B in the same row.

CellValue
A110
A220
A330
B15
B215
B325
C1
C2
C3
Formula Trace
=A1+B1
Step 1: A1
Step 2: B1
Step 3: 10 + 5
Cell Reference Map
    A    B    C
1 | 10 |  5 | -> |
2 | 20 | 15 |    |
3 | 30 | 25 |    |
The formula in cell C1 references cells A1 and B1 to add their values.
Result
    A    B    C
1 | 10 |  5 | 15 |
2 | 20 | 15 |    |
3 | 30 | 25 |    |
The result of the formula =A1+B1 in cell C1 is 15, which is the sum of 10 and 5.
Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions
Test your understanding
What does the '=' sign at the start of a formula mean?
AIt is a symbol for addition.
BIt tells Excel to calculate the formula.
CIt marks a cell as empty.
DIt copies the value from another cell.
Key Result
Formulas start with '=' and use cell references like A1, B1 to get values for calculations.