If you’re just getting started with Microsoft Excel, formulas might look confusing — but don’t worry! Once you learn a few basics, you’ll see how easy and helpful they are.
Here are 10 simple Excel formulas that every beginner should know 👇
- SUM – Add Numbers
Adds all numbers in a range.
Formula: =SUM(A1:A10)
👉 Example: Adds all values from A1 to A10.
- AVERAGE – Find the Average
Calculates the average of numbers.
Formula: =AVERAGE(B1:B10)
👉 Example: Finds the average of numbers in B1 to B10.
- MIN – Smallest Number
Finds the smallest value in a range.
Formula: =MIN(C1:C10)
👉 Example: Shows the lowest score or amount.
- MAX – Largest Number
Finds the biggest value in a range.
Formula: =MAX(C1:C10)
👉 Example: Shows the highest score or total.
- COUNT – Count Numbers Only
Counts how many cells have numbers.
Formula: =COUNT(A1:A100)
👉 Example: Tells how many cells in A1–A100 contain numbers.
- COUNTA – Count All Filled Cells
Counts all non-empty cells (numbers or text).
Formula: =COUNTA(A1:A100)
👉 Example: Counts how many names or values are filled in.
- ROUND – Round a Number
Rounds a number to a set number of decimal places.
Formula: =ROUND(A1, 2)
👉 Example: Turns 12.3456 into 12.35.
- ROUNDUP – Always Round Up
Rounds a number up to the next whole number.
Formula: =ROUNDUP(A1, 0)
👉 Example: 12.1 becomes 13.
- ROUNDDOWN – Always Round Down
Rounds a number down to the nearest whole number.
Formula: =ROUNDDOWN(A1, 0)
👉 Example: 12.9 becomes 12.
- ABS – Make Numbers Positive
Shows the absolute (positive) value of a number.
Formula: =ABS(A1)
👉 Example: -25 becomes 25.
💡 Quick Tip:
These are the most common formulas used in Excel. Try practicing them with real numbers — you’ll be amazed how much faster you can do your calculations!
