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

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.

Cell	Value
A1	10
A2	20
A3	30
B1	5
B2	15
B3	25
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

What does the '=' sign at the start of a formula mean?

A It is a symbol for addition.

B It tells Excel to calculate the formula.

C It marks a cell as empty.

D It copies the value from another cell.

Key Result

Formulas start with '=' and use cell references like A1, B1 to get values for calculations.