Formula structure and cell references in Google Sheets - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This data shows two columns of numbers (A and B). Column C is empty and will be used for formulas that add values from columns A and B.

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 uses values from cells A1 and B1 to calculate the sum.

Result

    A    B    C
1 | 10 |  5 | 15 |
2 | 20 | 15 |    |
3 | 30 | 25 |    |

The result of the formula '=A1 + B1' is 15, shown in cell C1.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What value does the formula '=A1 + B1' use from cell A1?

A 15

B 5

C 10

D 30

Key Result

A formula can add values from two cells by referencing them with '+' like '=A1 + B1'.