Arithmetic operators in Google Sheets - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

Sample numbers to demonstrate arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation.

Cell	Value
A1	10
A2	5
A3	2
B1	3
B2	4
B3	6

Formula Trace

=A1 + B1 * A3 - B2 / A2 ^ A3

Step 1: A1 + B1 * A3 - B2 / A2 ^ A3

Step 2: 10 + 3 * 2 - 4 / 5 ^ 2

Step 3: 10 + 3 * 2 - 4 / 25

Step 4: 10 + 6 - 0.16

Step 5: 16 - 0.16

Cell Reference Map

    A     B
1 | 10  →  3
2 |  5     4
3 |  2     6

Arrows show which cells are used in the formula: A1, B1, A3, B2, A2.

Cells A1, B1, A3, B2, and A2 are referenced in the formula for arithmetic operations.

Result

    A     B     C
1 | 10    3    15.84
2 |  5    4
3 |  2    6

Cell C1 shows the result of the formula: 15.84

The formula result 15.84 is displayed in cell C1 after evaluating the arithmetic expression.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What is the first operation performed in the formula?

A Exponentiation (A2 ^ A3)

B Addition (A1 + B1)

C Multiplication (B1 * A3)

D Subtraction (result - something)

Key Result

Arithmetic operators follow order: exponentiation, multiplication/division, then addition/subtraction.