Arithmetic operators in Google Sheets - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What symbol is used for addition in Google Sheets formulas?

The plus sign + is used for addition. For example, =A1 + B1 adds the values in cells A1 and B1.

beginner

How do you multiply two numbers in Google Sheets?

Use the asterisk * symbol. For example, =A1 * B1 multiplies the values in cells A1 and B1.

beginner

What does the formula =A1 / B1 do?

It divides the value in cell A1 by the value in cell B1. The slash / is the division operator.

beginner

Which operator is used for subtraction in Google Sheets?

The minus sign - is used for subtraction. For example, =A1 - B1 subtracts the value in B1 from A1.

intermediate

What is the result of =2 + 3 * 4 in Google Sheets and why?

The result is 14. Google Sheets follows order of operations, so it multiplies 3 * 4 = 12 first, then adds 2 + 12 = 14.

Which symbol is used for multiplication in Google Sheets?

A *

B -

C +

D /

The asterisk * is the multiplication operator in Google Sheets.

What does the formula =A2 - B2 do?

A Adds A2 and B2

B Multiplies A2 and B2

C Subtracts B2 from A2

D Divides A2 by B2

The minus sign - subtracts the value in B2 from A2.

What is the result of =10 / 2?

A 0.2

B 20

C 8

D 5

The slash / divides 10 by 2, resulting in 5.

Which formula correctly adds values in cells A1 and B1?

A =A1 + B1

B =A1 * B1

C =A1 - B1

D =A1 / B1

The plus sign + adds the values in A1 and B1.

What is the correct order of operations in Google Sheets?

A Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division

B Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction

C Subtraction, Addition, Division, Multiplication

D Division, Addition, Multiplication, Subtraction

Google Sheets follows standard math order: Multiplication and Division first, then Addition and Subtraction.

Explain how to use the four basic arithmetic operators in Google Sheets with examples.

Think about how you write math on paper and how that translates to formulas.

Describe how Google Sheets handles the order of operations in a formula like =2 + 3 * 4.

Remember PEMDAS or BODMAS rules from school math.

Practice

1. Which arithmetic operator in Google Sheets is used to multiply two numbers?

easy

A. +

B. *

C. /

D. ^

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall basic arithmetic operators

   The multiplication operator in spreadsheets is the asterisk symbol *.

2. Step 2: Match operator to multiplication

   Among the options, only * represents multiplication.

3. Final Answer:

   * -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Multiplication = * [OK]

Hint: Remember * means multiply in formulas [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing + with multiplication
• Using ^ for multiplication
• Using / instead of *

2. Which of the following is the correct formula to add the values in cells A1 and B1 in Google Sheets?

easy

A. =A1+B1

B. A1+B1

C. =SUM(A1 B1)

D. =A1*B1

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand formula syntax

   Formulas must start with an equals sign = to calculate values.

2. Step 2: Identify correct addition syntax

   The correct way to add two cells is =A1+B1. =A1*B1 multiplies instead, A1+B1 misses the equals sign, and =SUM(A1 B1) has wrong syntax.

3. Final Answer:

   =A1+B1 -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Formula starts with = and uses + for addition [OK]

Hint: Always start formulas with = and use + for addition [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Omitting = at start
• Using * instead of +
• Wrong SUM syntax without comma

3. What is the result of the formula =10 + 5 * 2 in Google Sheets?

medium

A. 20

B. 15

C. 30

D. 25

Solution

1. Step 1: Apply order of operations

   Multiplication (*) is done before addition (+), so calculate 5 * 2 = 10 first.

2. Step 2: Add the results

   Then add 10 + 10 = 20.

3. Final Answer:

   20 -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Multiplication before addition = 20 [OK]

Hint: Multiply before adding in formulas [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Adding before multiplying
• Ignoring operator precedence
• Calculating left to right only

4. The formula =A1 + * B1 gives an error in Google Sheets. What is the correct fix?

medium

A. =A1 + (B1

B. =A1 * B1

C. =A1 + B1 *

D. =A1 + B1

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify syntax error

   The formula has an invalid operator sequence + * which is not allowed.

2. Step 2: Correct the formula

   Remove the extra operator to get =A1 + B1, which adds the two cells correctly.

3. Final Answer:

   =A1 + B1 -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Only one operator between operands [OK]

Hint: Use only one operator between values [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using two operators together
• Leaving trailing operators
• Missing equals sign

5. You want to calculate the total cost in cell C1 by multiplying quantity in A1 by price in B1, then adding a fixed shipping fee of 5. Which formula correctly does this?

hard

A. =A1 * (B1 + 5)

B. A1 * B1 + 5

C. =(A1 * B1) + 5

D. =A1 + B1 * 5

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand calculation order

   You must multiply quantity and price first, then add shipping fee.

2. Step 2: Use parentheses to ensure correct order

   Formula =(A1 * B1) + 5 ensures multiplication happens before addition. A1 * B1 + 5 misses the equals sign; C adds shipping to price before multiplying (wrong); D multiplies price by 5 then adds quantity (wrong).

3. Final Answer:

   =(A1 * B1) + 5 -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Multiply first, then add shipping with parentheses [OK]

Hint: Use parentheses to control calculation order [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Adding before multiplying
• Wrong operator placement
• Missing parentheses causing wrong results