Excel Formula Reference

Excel Formulas Cheat Sheet: 100+ Formulas & Examples

Master the most useful Excel formulas with clear syntax, practical examples, and quick explanations. From basic calculations and IF statements to XLOOKUP, SUMIFS, text functions, dates, and dynamic arrays.

  • Beginner Friendly
  • Practical Examples
  • Copyable Formulas
  • Printable Reference

Quick Reference

Excel Formula Quick Reference

Quickly find the Excel function you need. Use this table to compare common functions, understand their purpose, and copy practical formulas directly into your workbook.

Function Purpose Example Copy
SUM Add values together =SUM(B2:B10)
AVERAGE Calculate the arithmetic mean =AVERAGE(B2:B10)
COUNT Count cells containing numbers =COUNT(B2:B100)
IF Return different results based on a condition =IF(C2>=70,"Pass","Fail")
COUNTIFS Count rows matching multiple criteria =COUNTIFS(B:B,"East",C:C,">100")
VLOOKUP Look up a value vertically in a table =VLOOKUP(A2,D2:F100,3,FALSE)
INDEX + MATCH Perform a flexible lookup =INDEX(C:C,MATCH(A2,B:B,0))
TEXTJOIN Combine text using a delimiter =TEXTJOIN(", ",TRUE,A2:A5)
TODAY Return the current date =TODAY()
EOMONTH Return the last day of a month =EOMONTH(A2,0)
FILTER Return rows that meet specified criteria =FILTER(A2:C100,C2:C100>100)
IFERROR Replace formula errors with another result =IFERROR(A2/B2,0)
Tip: Start with XLOOKUP for most modern lookup tasks. Use INDEX and MATCH when you need more control or compatibility with older Excel workflows.

Formula Basics

Excel Formula Basics

Every Excel formula starts with an equals sign. From there, you can combine cell references, numbers, operators, and functions to calculate or return results.

Start a Formula

Type an equals sign followed by your calculation or function.

=A2+B2
=SUM(B2:B10)

Formula Building Blocks

Element Example
Cell reference A2
Range A2:A20
Number 100
Text "Complete"
Function SUM()

Arithmetic Operators

Operator Meaning Example Result
+ Addition =10+5 15
- Subtraction =10-5 5
* Multiplication =10*5 50
/ Division =10/5 2
^ Exponentiation =2^3 8
% Percentage =200*10% 20

Order of Operations

Without parentheses =10+5*2 20
With parentheses =(10+5)*2 30

Excel follows the standard order of operations: parentheses first, followed by exponents, multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction.

Tip: Use parentheses whenever a formula could be misread. They make formulas easier to understand and help prevent calculation mistakes.

Cell References

Excel Cell References

Cell references control which cells a formula uses. Understanding relative, absolute, and mixed references is essential when copying formulas across rows and columns.

Relative

A1

Changes automatically when the formula is copied to another cell.

=A2*B2

Copying the formula down one row changes it to =A3*B3.

Absolute

$A$1

Locks both the column and row so the reference never changes when copied.

=B2*$E$1

Useful for tax rates, exchange rates, constants, and fixed lookup cells.

Mixed

$A1 / A$1

Locks only the column or only the row while allowing the other part to change.

=$A2*B$1

Useful when building formulas across both rows and columns.

Reference Types at a Glance

Reference Column Row When Copied Best For
A1 Changes Changes Fully relative Standard calculations
$A$1 Locked Locked Never changes Constants and fixed cells
$A1 Locked Changes Row adjusts Fixed source column
A$1 Changes Locked Column adjusts Fixed header row

Practical Example

Formula in C2
=B2*$F$1

B2 changes as the formula is copied down: B3, B4, B5.

$F$1 remains fixed because both the column and row are locked.

Shortcut: While editing a cell reference in a formula, press F4 to cycle through relative, absolute, and mixed reference types.

Math & Statistics

Excel Math & Statistical Formulas

Use these functions to total values, calculate averages, count entries, find minimum and maximum values, and summarize numeric data quickly.

Function Purpose Example Copy
SUM Add all numbers in a range =SUM(B2:B20)
AVERAGE Calculate the arithmetic mean =AVERAGE(B2:B20)
COUNT Count cells containing numbers =COUNT(B2:B20)
COUNTA Count non-empty cells =COUNTA(A2:A20)
COUNTBLANK Count empty cells =COUNTBLANK(A2:A20)
MIN Return the smallest value =MIN(B2:B20)
MAX Return the largest value =MAX(B2:B20)
MEDIAN Return the middle value =MEDIAN(B2:B20)
LARGE Return the nth largest value =LARGE(B2:B20,2)
SMALL Return the nth smallest value =SMALL(B2:B20,2)
PRODUCT Multiply values together =PRODUCT(B2:B5)
ABS Return a number without its sign =ABS(B2)

Common Formula Patterns

Total Sales
=SUM(C2:C100)

Adds every sales value in column C.

Average Order
=AVERAGE(C2:C100)

Calculates the average value of all numeric orders.

Second Highest
=LARGE(C2:C100,2)

Returns the second-largest number in the range.

Filled Rows
=COUNTA(A2:A100)

Counts cells containing text, numbers, or other values.

COUNT vs COUNTA: Use COUNT when you only want numeric cells. Use COUNTA when you want to count any non-empty cell.

05 — Logical Formulas

Excel IF & IFS Functions

Use IF and IFS to return different results depending on whether one or more conditions are true. These functions are useful for status checks, grading, thresholds, categories, and decision-based formulas.

IF Function

Tests one condition and returns one value when the condition is true and another value when it is false.

Syntax =IF(logical_test, value_if_true, value_if_false)
=IF(B2>=70,"Pass","Fail")

IFS Function

Tests several conditions in order and returns the result belonging to the first condition that evaluates to TRUE.

Syntax =IFS(test1, result1, test2, result2, ...)
=IFS(B2>=90,"A",B2>=80,"B",B2>=70,"C",TRUE,"F")

Common IF Formula Examples

Pass or Fail

Returns Pass when the score in B2 is 70 or higher.

=IF(B2>=70,"Pass","Fail")

Target Status

Compares an actual value in C2 with the target in D2.

=IF(C2>=D2,"Target Met","Below Target")

Check Blank Cell

Checks whether A2 is empty and returns a status message.

=IF(A2="","Missing","Complete")

Apply Discount

Calculates a 10% discount when the value in B2 is at least 1000.

=IF(B2>=1000,B2*10%,0)

Positive or Negative

Labels a value based on whether it is zero or greater.

=IF(B2>=0,"Positive","Negative")

Nested IF vs IFS

Nested IF

Multiple IF Functions

Older workbooks often place additional IF functions inside the false result of another IF.

=IF(B2>=90,"A",IF(B2>=80,"B",IF(B2>=70,"C","F")))
Tip: When using IFS, Excel checks conditions from left to right. Put higher or more specific thresholds before broader conditions.

06 — Logical Functions

Excel AND, OR & NOT Functions

Logical functions test whether conditions are true or false. Combine them with IF to build more powerful formulas that evaluate several criteria at once.

AND

Require Every Condition

AND returns TRUE only when every condition is true.

Syntax =AND(logical1, logical2, ...)
=AND(B2>=70,C2="Complete")
OR

Require Any Condition

OR returns TRUE when at least one condition is true.

Syntax =OR(logical1, logical2, ...)
=OR(B2="Yes",C2="Approved")
NOT

Reverse a Logical Result

NOT changes TRUE to FALSE and FALSE to TRUE.

Syntax =NOT(logical)
=NOT(B2="Cancelled")

Combine Logical Functions with IF

Pass Two Requirements

Returns Pass only when the score is at least 70 and attendance is at least 80%.

=IF(AND(B2>=70,C2>=80%),"Pass","Fail")

Multiple Accepted Statuses

Returns Approved when either condition matches.

=IF(OR(B2="Approved",B2="Pending"),"Continue","Stop")

Exclude a Status

Returns Active when the status is anything except Cancelled.

=IF(NOT(B2="Cancelled"),"Active","Inactive")

AND vs OR

Function Returns TRUE When Example Result
AND All conditions are TRUE =AND(TRUE,TRUE) TRUE
AND All conditions are TRUE =AND(TRUE,FALSE) FALSE
OR At least one condition is TRUE =OR(TRUE,FALSE) TRUE
OR At least one condition is TRUE =OR(FALSE,FALSE) FALSE
Rule of thumb: Use AND when every requirement must be met. Use OR when any one of several requirements is enough.

07 — Conditional Sums

Excel SUMIF & SUMIFS Functions

Use SUMIF and SUMIFS to add values only when specific conditions are met. SUMIF handles a single condition, while SUMIFS can evaluate multiple criteria.

SUMIF

Sum with One Condition

SUMIF adds values when one condition is true.

Syntax =SUMIF(range, criteria, sum_range)
=SUMIF(A2:A100,"East",C2:C100)

Adds values in column C when the corresponding cell in column A contains East.

SUMIFS

Sum with Multiple Conditions

SUMIFS adds values only when all specified conditions are true.

Syntax =SUMIFS(sum_range, criteria_range1, criteria1, ...)
=SUMIFS(C2:C100,A2:A100,"East",B2:B100,"Apples")

Adds sales from column C where the region is East and the product is Apples.

Common SUMIF & SUMIFS Examples

Sum by Region

Add sales belonging to the East region.

=SUMIF(A2:A100,"East",C2:C100)

Sum Values Above a Threshold

Add only values greater than 1000.

=SUMIF(C2:C100,">1000")

Sum by Region and Product

Add sales where both the region and product match.

=SUMIFS(C2:C100,A2:A100,"East",B2:B100,"Apples")

Sum Between Two Dates

Add sales occurring during January 2026.

=SUMIFS(C2:C100,A2:A100,">="&DATE(2026,1,1),A2:A100,"<"&DATE(2026,2,1))

Sum Using a Cell as Criteria

Use the value entered in E2 as the condition.

=SUMIF(A2:A100,E2,C2:C100)

SUMIF vs SUMIFS

Function Conditions Syntax Starts With Best For
SUMIF One =SUMIF(range,...) Simple conditional totals
SUMIFS Multiple =SUMIFS(sum_range,...) Totals using several criteria
Important: The argument order is different. SUMIF starts with the criteria range, while SUMIFS starts with the range you want to sum.

08 — Conditional Counting

Excel COUNTIF & COUNTIFS Functions

Use COUNTIF and COUNTIFS to count cells or rows that meet specific conditions. COUNTIF evaluates one criterion, while COUNTIFS can test multiple criteria at once.

COUNTIF

Count with One Condition

COUNTIF counts cells in a range that match a single criterion.

Syntax =COUNTIF(range, criteria)
=COUNTIF(A2:A100,"East")

Counts how many cells in A2:A100 contain the value East.

COUNTIFS

Count with Multiple Conditions

COUNTIFS counts rows only when all specified criteria are satisfied.

Syntax =COUNTIFS(criteria_range1, criteria1, ...)
=COUNTIFS(A2:A100,"East",B2:B100,"Apples")

Counts rows where the region is East and the product is Apples.

Common COUNTIF & COUNTIFS Examples

Count a Specific Value

Count how many times East appears in a range.

=COUNTIF(A2:A100,"East")

Count Values Above a Number

Count numeric cells greater than 100.

=COUNTIF(C2:C100,">100")

Count Non-Blank Cells

Count cells that contain any value.

=COUNTIF(A2:A100,"<>")

Count Blank Cells

Count cells that are empty according to COUNTIF criteria.

=COUNTIF(A2:A100,"")

Count Two Criteria

Count East-region orders where sales are greater than 1000.

=COUNTIFS(A2:A100,"East",C2:C100,">1000")

Count Between Two Values

Count numbers from 100 through 500, inclusive.

=COUNTIFS(C2:C100,">=100",C2:C100,"<=500")

Working with Wildcards

*

Any Number of Characters

Use an asterisk to match any sequence of characters.

=COUNTIF(A2:A100,"*apple*")
?

One Character

Use a question mark to match exactly one character.

=COUNTIF(A2:A100,"A?C")

COUNTIF vs COUNTIFS

Function Criteria Typical Formula Best For
COUNTIF One criterion =COUNTIF(A:A,"East") Simple conditional counts
COUNTIFS Multiple criteria =COUNTIFS(A:A,"East",B:B,"Apples") Counting records using several conditions
Tip: Criteria such as >100, <=500, and <>Cancelled must normally be placed inside quotation marks when written directly in COUNTIF or COUNTIFS.

09 — XLOOKUP

Excel XLOOKUP Function

XLOOKUP searches for a value in one range and returns the corresponding value from another range. It is a flexible modern replacement for many traditional VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP formulas.

Syntax

Basic XLOOKUP

Search for a value and return the matching result from another column or row.

=XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found])
=XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100,"Not found")
Example

Find a Product Price

Look up the product ID in A2 and return its price from column F.

=XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,F2:F100,"Not found")
Search A2 Lookup column D2:D100 Return column F2:F100

Common XLOOKUP Examples

Exact Match

Find an employee ID and return the employee name.

=XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100)

Custom Not Found Message

Display a readable message instead of #N/A.

=XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100,"No match")

Lookup to the Left

Search column E and return a value from column D.

=XLOOKUP(A2,E2:E100,D2:D100)

Return Multiple Columns

Return several adjacent columns from one lookup.

=XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:G100)

Wildcard Match

Find text using wildcard characters.

=XLOOKUP("*"&A2&"*",D2:D100,E2:E100,"Not found",2)

XLOOKUP Arguments

Argument Required? Purpose
lookup_value Yes The value you want to find.
lookup_array Yes The range Excel searches.
return_array Yes The range containing the result to return.
if_not_found No A custom result when no match exists.
match_mode No Controls exact, approximate, or wildcard matching.
search_mode No Controls the direction and method used to search.

XLOOKUP Match Modes

0

Exact Match

Default option. Returns an exact match.

-1

Exact or Next Smaller

Useful for thresholds and ranges.

1

Exact or Next Larger

Returns the next larger item if no exact match exists.

2

Wildcard Match

Allows * and ? wildcard characters.

Why XLOOKUP is useful: Unlike VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP can return values from columns to either the left or right of the lookup column, uses exact matching by default, and does not require a numeric column index.

10 — VLOOKUP

Excel VLOOKUP Function

VLOOKUP searches for a value in the first column of a table and returns a value from another column in the same row. It remains common in older workbooks and established Excel workflows.

Syntax

Basic VLOOKUP

Search the first column of a table and return a value from a specified column.

=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])
=VLOOKUP(A2,D2:F100,3,FALSE)
Example

Find a Product Price

Look up the product ID in A2 and return the value from the third column of the lookup table.

=VLOOKUP(A2,D2:F100,3,FALSE)
Lookup value A2 Table D2:F100 Return column 3 Match type Exact

Common VLOOKUP Examples

Exact Match

Find an ID and return the matching value.

=VLOOKUP(A2,D2:F100,2,FALSE)

Return a Different Column

Change the column index to return another field.

=VLOOKUP(A2,D2:G100,4,FALSE)

Handle Missing Matches

Wrap VLOOKUP with IFERROR to avoid displaying #N/A.

=IFERROR(VLOOKUP(A2,D2:F100,3,FALSE),"Not found")

Approximate Match

Use TRUE for sorted threshold tables such as commission or grade bands.

=VLOOKUP(B2,E2:F6,2,TRUE)

VLOOKUP Arguments

Argument Purpose Example
lookup_value The value you want to find. A2
table_array The table containing the lookup and return columns. D2:F100
col_index_num The table column number containing the result. 3
range_lookup FALSE for exact match or TRUE for approximate match. FALSE

Exact vs Approximate Match

FALSE

Exact Match

Use FALSE when looking up IDs, names, product codes, email addresses, or other values that should match exactly.

=VLOOKUP(A2,D2:F100,3,FALSE)
TRUE

Approximate Match

Use TRUE for ordered ranges such as tax brackets, discounts, commission levels, or grading thresholds.

=VLOOKUP(B2,E2:F6,2,TRUE)
Important: For approximate VLOOKUP, the first column of the lookup table should be sorted in ascending order. Otherwise Excel may return an unexpected result.

VLOOKUP Limitations

01

Looks Only to the Right

The lookup value must be in the first column of the selected table.

02

Uses Column Numbers

Inserting or removing columns can make the column index incorrect.

03

Exact Match Is Not the Default

Use FALSE explicitly when you require an exact result.

Modern Excel: Use XLOOKUP for new workbooks when available. VLOOKUP is still important because it appears in many existing spreadsheets and older Excel workflows.

11 — INDEX & MATCH

Excel INDEX & MATCH Functions

INDEX and MATCH can be combined to create flexible lookup formulas. MATCH finds the position of a value, while INDEX returns the value stored at that position.

INDEX

Return a Value by Position

INDEX returns a value from a range using its row position.

Syntax =INDEX(array, row_num, [column_num])
=INDEX(E2:E100,5)

Returns the fifth value from the range E2:E100.

MATCH

Find a Value’s Position

MATCH searches a range and returns the relative position of a matching value.

Syntax =MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])
=MATCH(A2,D2:D100,0)

Finds the position of the value in A2 within D2:D100. A match type of 0 requests an exact match.

The Classic Combination

Combine INDEX + MATCH

MATCH determines which row contains the lookup value. INDEX then returns the corresponding result from another range.

1

MATCH finds the row position.

2

The position is passed into INDEX.

3

INDEX returns the result.

Combined Formula
=INDEX(E2:E100,MATCH(A2,D2:D100,0))

Search for A2 in column D and return the corresponding value from column E.

Common INDEX & MATCH Examples

Basic Exact Lookup

Find an ID in column D and return its corresponding name from column E.

=INDEX(E2:E100,MATCH(A2,D2:D100,0))

Lookup to the Left

Search column E and return the matching value from column D.

=INDEX(D2:D100,MATCH(A2,E2:E100,0))

Handle Missing Matches

Use IFERROR to display a custom result when no match exists.

=IFERROR(INDEX(E2:E100,MATCH(A2,D2:D100,0)),"Not found")

Two-Way Lookup

Match both a row label and a column heading to return a value from a table.

=INDEX(B2:E10,MATCH(H2,A2:A10,0),MATCH(H3,B1:E1,0))

How INDEX & MATCH Works

Part Example What It Does
MATCH MATCH(A2,D2:D100,0) Finds the relative position of A2 in D2:D100.
INDEX INDEX(E2:E100,...) Returns a value from E2:E100 at the specified position.
Combined INDEX(E2:E100,MATCH(...)) Uses the position found by MATCH to return the corresponding result.

INDEX & MATCH vs VLOOKUP

INDEX + MATCH
  • Can look left or right
  • Does not rely on a hard-coded column index
  • Works well with flexible table layouts
  • Useful in older Excel versions without XLOOKUP
VLOOKUP
  • Often easier for beginners to read
  • Widely used in existing spreadsheets
  • Looks only to the right
  • Uses a numeric return-column index
Modern Excel: XLOOKUP is usually simpler for new lookup formulas. INDEX and MATCH are still valuable for understanding existing workbooks, flexible lookup techniques, and Excel versions where XLOOKUP is unavailable.

12 — Text Functions

Excel Text Functions

Excel text functions help you clean, combine, extract, transform, and format text. They are especially useful when working with names, product codes, imported data, and inconsistent text values.

LEFT

Extract Characters from the Left

=LEFT(text, [num_chars])
=LEFT(A2,3)

Returns the first three characters from A2.

RIGHT

Extract Characters from the Right

=RIGHT(text, [num_chars])
=RIGHT(A2,4)

Returns the last four characters from A2.

MID

Extract Text from the Middle

=MID(text, start_num, num_chars)
=MID(A2,4,5)

Starts at character 4 and returns five characters.

LEN

Count Characters

=LEN(text)
=LEN(A2)

Counts all characters in A2, including spaces.

Clean and Standardize Text

Remove Extra Spaces

TRIM removes leading and trailing spaces and reduces repeated internal spaces to a single space.

=TRIM(A2)

Convert to Uppercase

Change all letters to uppercase.

=UPPER(A2)

Convert to Lowercase

Change all letters to lowercase.

=LOWER(A2)

Capitalize Words

Capitalize the first letter of each word.

=PROPER(A2)

Combine Text

&

Join with the Ampersand Operator

A simple way to combine values with custom separators.

=A2&" "&B2
CONCAT

Combine Values

CONCAT joins text values or ranges without a built-in delimiter.

=CONCAT(A2," ",B2)
TEXTJOIN

Join with a Delimiter

TEXTJOIN combines many values using a separator and can ignore empty cells.

=TEXTJOIN(", ",TRUE,A2:A10)

Find and Replace Text

Find Text Position

FIND returns the position of one text string inside another and is case-sensitive.

=FIND("@",A2)

Search Text

SEARCH also returns a text position but is not case-sensitive.

=SEARCH("excel",A2)

Replace Matching Text

SUBSTITUTE replaces matching text anywhere in a string.

=SUBSTITUTE(A2,"Old","New")

Replace by Position

REPLACE changes characters based on their position in the text.

=REPLACE(A2,1,3,"NEW")

Practical Text Formula Patterns

Task Formula Purpose
Full name =A2&" "&B2 Combines first and last names.
Email username =LEFT(A2,FIND("@",A2)-1) Returns everything before the @ symbol.
Clean imported text =TRIM(A2) Removes unnecessary spaces.
Normalize names =PROPER(TRIM(A2)) Cleans spacing and capitalizes each word.
Join a range =TEXTJOIN(", ",TRUE,A2:A10) Creates a comma-separated list and ignores empty cells.
Tip: Text functions become especially powerful when combined. For example, =PROPER(TRIM(A2)) first removes unnecessary spaces and then standardizes capitalization.

13 — Date & Time

Excel Date & Time Functions

Excel stores dates and times as serial values, which makes it possible to calculate deadlines, extract date parts, count working days, and build dynamic date-based reports.

TODAY

Return Today’s Date

=TODAY()
=TODAY()

Returns the current date and updates automatically when Excel recalculates.

NOW

Return Date and Time

=NOW()
=NOW()

Returns the current date and time.

DATE

Build a Date

=DATE(year, month, day)
=DATE(2026,9,15)

Creates a valid Excel date from separate year, month, and day values.

TIME

Build a Time

=TIME(hour, minute, second)
=TIME(14,30,0)

Creates a time value such as 14:30.

Extract Parts of a Date

Get the Year

Extract the year from a date stored in A2.

=YEAR(A2)

Get the Month

Return the month number from 1 to 12.

=MONTH(A2)

Get the Day

Return the day of the month.

=DAY(A2)

Get the Weekday

Return a weekday number where Monday is 1 and Sunday is 7.

=WEEKDAY(A2,2)

Date Calculations

Days Between Two Dates

Subtract the start date from the end date.

=B2-A2

Add 30 Days

Create a future date by adding days directly.

=A2+30

Add Months

Move a date forward by a specific number of months.

=EDATE(A2,3)

End of Month

Return the last day of the month containing A2.

=EOMONTH(A2,0)

Working Days

NETWORKDAYS

Count Working Days

Counts weekdays between two dates and can exclude a holiday range.

=NETWORKDAYS(A2,B2)
WORKDAY

Calculate a Workday Deadline

Returns a date a specified number of working days before or after a start date.

=WORKDAY(A2,10)

Common Date & Time Formulas

Task Formula Result
Current date =TODAY() Today’s date
Current date and time =NOW() Current timestamp
First day of month =EOMONTH(A2,-1)+1 Month start
Last day of month =EOMONTH(A2,0) Month end
One year later =EDATE(A2,12) Date 12 months later
Age in full years =DATEDIF(A2,TODAY(),"Y") Completed years
Tip: If a date formula displays a number such as 45500, the formula may be correct but the cell is formatted as General or Number. Apply a Date format to display the serial value as a readable date.

14 — Rounding Functions

Excel Rounding Functions

Excel rounding functions let you control decimal places, round values up or down, snap numbers to specific multiples, and convert numbers to whole values.

ROUND

Round Normally

=ROUND(number, num_digits)
=ROUND(A2,2)

Rounds A2 to two decimal places.

ROUNDUP

Always Round Away from Zero

=ROUNDUP(number, num_digits)
=ROUNDUP(A2,0)

Rounds the value away from zero to a whole number.

ROUNDDOWN

Always Round Toward Zero

=ROUNDDOWN(number, num_digits)
=ROUNDDOWN(A2,0)

Removes the decimal portion by rounding toward zero.

INT

Round Down to an Integer

=INT(number)
=INT(A2)

Rounds a number down to the nearest integer.

Control Decimal Places

Two Decimal Places

Useful for currency, percentages, and report values.

=ROUND(A2,2)

Whole Number

Use zero digits to round to the nearest integer.

=ROUND(A2,0)

Nearest Ten

A negative num_digits value rounds digits to the left of the decimal point.

=ROUND(A2,-1)

Nearest Hundred

Round large values for summaries or reporting.

=ROUND(A2,-2)

Round to a Specific Multiple

MROUND

Nearest Multiple

Round a value to the nearest specified multiple.

=MROUND(A2,5)

Example: 42 becomes 40 and 43 becomes 45 when rounding to multiples of 5.

CEILING

Round Up to a Multiple

Round a positive value up to the next specified multiple.

=CEILING(A2,5)
FLOOR

Round Down to a Multiple

Round a positive value down to the previous specified multiple.

=FLOOR(A2,5)

Rounding Examples

Formula If A2 = 12.345 Result
=ROUND(A2,2) 12.345 12.35
=ROUND(A2,1) 12.345 12.3
=ROUND(A2,0) 12.345 12
=ROUNDUP(A2,0) 12.345 13
=ROUNDDOWN(A2,0) 12.345 12

ROUND vs INT

ROUND

Standard Rounding

ROUND uses standard rounding rules and lets you choose the number of digits.

=ROUND(7.8,0)
Result: 8
INT

Round Down

INT rounds down to the nearest integer, which is important when working with negative values.

=INT(7.8)
Result: 7
Tip: Changing the number format only changes how many decimal places are displayed. ROUND changes the value returned by the formula, which can affect later calculations.

15 — Dynamic Arrays

Excel Dynamic Array Formulas

Dynamic array formulas can return multiple results from a single formula. Excel automatically spills those results into neighboring cells, making many modern formulas shorter and easier to maintain.

Spill Behavior

One Formula, Multiple Results

A dynamic array formula is entered in one cell, but its results can automatically fill several rows or columns.

=SEQUENCE(5)
1 2 3 4 5
Spill Range

Reference the Entire Result

Add the # operator after the first cell of a spilled array to reference the complete dynamic result.

=SUM(B2#)

If B2 contains a spilled formula, B2# refers to its full current spill range.

SEQUENCE Function

SEQUENCE

Generate Number Sequences

SEQUENCE creates an array of sequential numbers across rows and columns.

=SEQUENCE(rows, [columns], [start], [step])
=SEQUENCE(10)

Creates the numbers 1 through 10 vertically.

=SEQUENCE(1,12)

Creates 12 sequential numbers horizontally.

=SEQUENCE(5,1,10,10)

Creates 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50.

Dynamic Array Examples

Create a Number Series

Generate a numbered list automatically without filling cells manually.

=SEQUENCE(20)

Create Monthly Dates

Generate twelve month-start dates beginning January 1, 2026.

=EDATE(DATE(2026,1,1),SEQUENCE(12,1,0,1))

Return Unique Values

Create a live list of distinct values from a range.

=UNIQUE(A2:A100)

Sort a Dynamic Result

Sort a spilled list automatically as source data changes.

=SORT(UNIQUE(A2:A100))

Important Dynamic Array Concepts

01

Spill Range

Excel expands results into neighboring cells automatically.

02

One Source Formula

Only the top-left cell contains the editable formula.

03

Automatic Resizing

The spill range can grow or shrink when the source data changes.

04

Spill Operator

Use # to reference the entire current spill range.

Common Dynamic Array Functions

Function Example Purpose
FILTER =FILTER(A2:C100,C2:C100>1000) Returns only rows that meet a condition.
SORT =SORT(A2:A100) Returns a sorted version of a range.
UNIQUE =UNIQUE(A2:A100) Returns distinct values.
SEQUENCE =SEQUENCE(10) Generates sequential numbers.
RANDARRAY =RANDARRAY(5,2) Generates an array of random numbers.
#SPILL! error:

If Excel cannot place all results into the required cells, it returns #SPILL!. Check whether cells in the intended spill area contain data, merged cells, or another obstruction.

Compatibility: Dynamic arrays are available in modern Excel versions, including Microsoft 365. Older Excel installations may not support newer spill-based functions.

16 — FILTER, SORT & UNIQUE

Excel FILTER, SORT & UNIQUE Functions

FILTER, SORT, and UNIQUE are modern dynamic array functions that make it easier to extract, organize, and deduplicate data without helper columns or manual filtering.

FILTER

Return Matching Rows

=FILTER(array, include, [if_empty])
=FILTER(A2:C100,C2:C100>1000,"No results")

Returns rows from A2:C100 where the value in column C is greater than 1000.

SORT

Sort a Range

=SORT(array, [sort_index], [sort_order], [by_col])
=SORT(A2:C100,3,-1)

Sorts the range by its third column in descending order.

UNIQUE

Return Distinct Values

=UNIQUE(array, [by_col], [exactly_once])
=UNIQUE(A2:A100)

Creates a dynamic list containing each distinct value once.

FILTER Examples

Filter by Region

Return only rows where column A contains East.

=FILTER(A2:C100,A2:A100="East","No results")

Filter Greater Than a Value

Return rows where sales in column C exceed 1000.

=FILTER(A2:C100,C2:C100>1000,"No results")

Filter with Multiple AND Conditions

Multiply logical tests when every condition must be true.

=FILTER(A2:C100,(A2:A100="East")*(C2:C100>1000),"No results")

Filter with OR Conditions

Add logical tests when either condition may be true.

=FILTER(A2:C100,(A2:A100="East")+(A2:A100="West"),"No results")
AND * Every condition must be true.
OR + At least one condition must be true.

SORT Examples

Ascending

Sort A to Z

=SORT(A2:A100)

Sort order 1 is ascending and is the default.

Descending

Sort Z to A

=SORT(A2:A100,1,-1)

Use -1 for descending order.

Table

Sort by a Specific Column

=SORT(A2:C100,3,-1)

Sorts the full table by its third column from largest to smallest.

UNIQUE Examples

Distinct Values

Return each value from column A once.

=UNIQUE(A2:A100)

Values Appearing Exactly Once

Return only entries that occur a single time in the range.

=UNIQUE(A2:A100,FALSE,TRUE)

Combine FILTER, SORT & UNIQUE

SORT + UNIQUE

Create a Sorted Unique List

UNIQUE removes duplicates and SORT places the results in order.

=SORT(UNIQUE(A2:A100))
SORT + FILTER

Sort Filtered Results

Filter the source data first and then sort the returned rows.

=SORT(FILTER(A2:C100,C2:C100>1000,"No results"),3,-1)
FILTER + UNIQUE

Unique Values That Meet a Condition

Filter a list by a condition and remove duplicate results.

=UNIQUE(FILTER(B2:B100,A2:A100="East",""))

Quick Reference

Function Best For Example
FILTER Returning rows that meet one or more conditions. =FILTER(A2:C100,C2:C100>1000)
SORT Creating a dynamically sorted copy of a range. =SORT(A2:C100,3,-1)
UNIQUE Creating a live list without duplicate values. =UNIQUE(A2:A100)
Tip: Because these functions return dynamic arrays, their results automatically expand or contract when the source data changes. Keep the spill area clear so Excel has room to display every result.

17 — Error Handling

Excel Error Handling Formulas

Error-handling functions help you replace formula errors with clearer messages, blanks, fallback values, or alternative calculations. The most useful functions are IFERROR, IFNA, ISERROR, and ISNA.

IFERROR

Handle Any Formula Error

=IFERROR(value, value_if_error)
=IFERROR(A2/B2,0)

Returns 0 if the calculation produces an error.

IFNA

Handle Only #N/A

=IFNA(value, value_if_na)
=IFNA(XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100),"Not found")

Replaces only #N/A while allowing other errors to remain visible.

ISERROR

Test for Any Error

=ISERROR(value)
=ISERROR(A2/B2)

Returns TRUE when the expression produces any Excel error.

ISNA

Test Specifically for #N/A

=ISNA(value)
=ISNA(MATCH(A2,D2:D100,0))

Returns TRUE only when the expression produces #N/A.

Common IFERROR Patterns

Prevent #DIV/0!

Replace a division error with zero.

=IFERROR(A2/B2,0)

Show a Friendly Lookup Message

Replace a failed lookup with a clear text message.

=IFERROR(XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100),"Not found")

Return a Blank Cell

Hide an error when an empty result is preferable.

=IFERROR(A2/B2,"")

Use an Alternative Calculation

Run a fallback formula when the first calculation fails.

=IFERROR(A2/B2,A2/C2)

IFERROR vs IFNA

IFERROR

Catch Any Error

IFERROR catches errors such as #N/A, #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, #REF!, #NAME?, and #NUM!.

=IFERROR(A2/B2,"Check formula")
IFNA

Catch Only #N/A

IFNA is more targeted and is especially useful for lookup formulas where a missing match is expected.

=IFNA(XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100),"No match")

Test for Errors Before Calculating

ISERROR

Detect Any Error

=IF(ISERROR(A2/B2),"Error",A2/B2)
ISNA

Detect a Missing Match

=IF(ISNA(MATCH(A2,D2:D100,0)),"Missing","Found")

Error-Handling Quick Reference

Function Returns Best Use
IFERROR Fallback value when any error occurs. General error handling.
IFNA Fallback value only for #N/A. Missing lookup matches.
ISERROR TRUE or FALSE. Testing whether any error exists.
ISNA TRUE or FALSE. Testing specifically for #N/A.
Do not hide every error automatically.

IFERROR can make a worksheet look cleaner, but it can also hide real problems such as broken references or incorrect data types. Use it when the error condition is expected and you know what the fallback should be.

Tip: For lookup formulas, prefer IFNA when you only want to handle missing matches. It leaves unrelated formula errors visible, which makes troubleshooting easier.

18 — Formula Operators

Excel Formula Operators

Excel operators control how values are calculated, compared, combined, and referenced inside formulas. Understanding them makes formulas easier to read, build, and troubleshoot.

Arithmetic Operators

+

Addition

Add numbers or cell values together.

=A2+B2
−

Subtraction

Subtract one value from another.

=A2-B2
×

Multiplication

Use an asterisk to multiply values.

=A2*B2
÷

Division

Use a forward slash to divide values.

=A2/B2
^

Exponent

Raise a number to a power.

=A2^2
%

Percentage

Convert a number into a percentage value.

=A2*10%

Comparison Operators

Operator Meaning Example
= Equal to =A2=B2
> Greater than =A2>100
< Less than =A2<100
>= Greater than or equal to =A2>=100
<= Less than or equal to =A2<=100
<> Not equal to =A2<>"Complete"

Comparison Operators Inside Functions

IF with Greater Than or Equal To

Test whether a score reaches a minimum threshold.

=IF(B2>=70,"Pass","Fail")

COUNTIF with Greater Than

Comparison criteria are placed inside quotation marks.

=COUNTIF(B2:B100,">100")

Compare Against a Cell

Join a comparison operator to a cell reference with an ampersand.

=COUNTIF(B2:B100,">"&D2)

Text Concatenation Operator

&

Combine Text with &

The ampersand joins text, numbers, or cell values into a single text string.

=A2&" "&B2

Reference Operators

:

Range Operator

A colon creates a continuous range between two references.

=SUM(A2:A10)
,

Union Operator

A comma can combine separate references into one reference expression.

=SUM(A2:A5,C2:C5)
#

Spill Range Operator

In modern Excel, # references the entire result of a spilled dynamic array.

=SUM(B2#)

Operator Precedence

Excel Calculates Operators in a Specific Order

Parentheses are the safest way to make the intended calculation order obvious.

  1. 1 Parentheses ()
  2. 2 Exponentiation ^
  3. 3 Multiplication and Division * /
  4. 4 Addition and Subtraction + -
  5. 5 Comparisons = > < >= <= <>
Without Parentheses
=10+5*2
Result: 20

Excel multiplies 5 × 2 before adding 10.

With Parentheses
=(10+5)*2
Result: 30

Parentheses force Excel to calculate 10 + 5 first.

Tip: Use parentheses whenever a formula mixes several operators. Even when they are not technically required, they make formulas easier to understand and reduce the risk of calculation mistakes.

19 — Common Formula Errors

Common Excel Formula Errors

Excel error messages usually point to a specific problem in a formula, reference, data type, or dynamic array. Learning what each error means makes troubleshooting much faster.

#DIV/0!

Division by Zero

Appears when a formula divides by zero or by an empty cell treated as zero.

Example =A2/B2
Fix Check the divisor or use IFERROR when zero is an expected case.
=IFERROR(A2/B2,0)
#N/A

Value Not Available

Common in lookup formulas when Excel cannot find the requested value.

Example =XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100)
Fix Check spelling, spaces, data types, and whether the lookup value exists.
=XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100,"Not found")
#VALUE!

Wrong Value Type

Appears when a formula receives text, numbers, or arguments in a form it cannot use.

Common cause Text stored where the formula expects a number.
Fix Check cell contents, spaces, argument types, and imported data.
#REF!

Invalid Cell Reference

Appears when a formula points to a cell or range that no longer exists.

Common cause A referenced row, column, sheet, or range was deleted.
Fix Restore the missing reference or update the formula to a valid range.
#NAME?

Unrecognized Name

Excel does not recognize part of the formula as a valid function, named range, or reference.

Common cause A misspelled function name or missing quotation marks around text.
Fix Check function spelling, named ranges, and quoted text values.
#NUM!

Invalid Numeric Calculation

Appears when Excel cannot produce a valid numeric result from the supplied arguments.

Example =SQRT(-1)
Fix Check numeric inputs and whether the requested calculation is valid.
#SPILL!

Dynamic Array Cannot Expand

A dynamic array formula needs more cells for its results, but something is blocking the spill range.

Example =UNIQUE(A2:A100)
Fix Clear cells, merged cells, or other objects blocking the spill area.
#####

Display Problem

A row of hash symbols is usually a display issue rather than a formula error.

Common cause The column is too narrow to display a number or date.
Fix Widen the column or adjust the number format.

Error Quick Reference

Error Usually Means Check First
#DIV/0! Division by zero. The divisor cell.
#N/A A lookup cannot find a match. Lookup value and source data.
#VALUE! An argument has the wrong data type. Text, numbers, and spaces.
#REF! A reference is invalid. Deleted rows, columns, or sheets.
#NAME? Excel does not recognize a name. Function spelling and named ranges.
#NUM! A numeric calculation is invalid. Numeric arguments.
#SPILL! A dynamic array is blocked. Cells around the spill formula.
##### The result cannot be displayed. Column width and formatting.

Troubleshooting Checklist

01

Check the Formula Syntax

Look for missing parentheses, quotation marks, commas, or incorrect function names.

02

Inspect Cell References

Make sure ranges still exist and that copied formulas reference the intended cells.

03

Check Data Types

Numbers stored as text and hidden spaces can cause formulas and lookups to fail.

04

Evaluate Smaller Parts

Break a long formula into smaller pieces to find which part returns the error.

05

Check Absolute References

A reference may have shifted when the formula was copied to another row or column.

06

Use Error Handling Last

Fix the underlying problem before hiding an unexpected error with IFERROR.

Common Fixes

#DIV/0!

Check Before Dividing

=IF(B2=0,0,A2/B2)
#N/A

Provide a Lookup Fallback

=XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100,"Not found")
#SPILL!

Reference the Spill Result

=SUM(B2#)
Important:

An error message is often useful diagnostic information. Avoid wrapping every formula in IFERROR automatically, because doing so can hide broken references, incorrect data, and other problems that should be corrected.

Tip: When a long formula fails, test its inner functions separately. Once each smaller part works correctly, combine them again into the complete formula.

20 — Practical Examples

Practical Excel Formula Examples

These practical examples combine common Excel functions into formulas you can adapt for sales reports, status tracking, lookups, dates, commissions, and data cleaning.

Sales

Calculate Line Total

Multiply quantity by unit price to calculate the value of each row.

=B2*C2
Quantity 8 Price $24.50 Total $196.00
Commission

Calculate Conditional Commission

Pay a 10% commission only when sales reach the required threshold.

=IF(B2>=1000,B2*10%,0)
Status

Mark Targets as Met

Compare actual performance against a target stored in another cell.

=IF(B2>=C2,"Target Met","Below Target")
Lookup

Find a Product Price

Look up a product ID and return its current price from another table.

=XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100,"Not found")
Dates

Create a Due Date

Add 30 calendar days to the date in A2.

=A2+30
Text

Clean and Standardize Names

Remove extra spaces and convert names into proper capitalization.

=PROPER(TRIM(A2))

Sales & Reporting Examples

01

Total Sales

Sum all sales values in a column.

=SUM(C2:C100)
02

Average Order Value

Calculate the average value of completed sales.

=AVERAGE(C2:C100)
03

Sales for One Region

Sum sales where the region in column A equals East.

=SUMIF(A2:A100,"East",C2:C100)
04

Sales for Region and Product

Sum sales only when both region and product match.

=SUMIFS(C2:C100,A2:A100,"East",B2:B100,"Apples")

Status & Workflow Examples

Completion Status

Check Whether a Cell Is Empty

Display a clear status depending on whether required data has been entered.

=IF(A2="","Missing","Complete")
Multiple Conditions

Check Score and Completion

Return Pass only when both requirements are satisfied.

=IF(AND(B2>=70,C2="Complete"),"Pass","Review")

Lookup & Data Retrieval Examples

01

Return a Product Description

Find an ID in column D and return its description from column E.

=XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100,"Not found")
02

Lookup from an Older Workbook

Use VLOOKUP when maintaining an existing workbook that relies on it.

=VLOOKUP(A2,D2:F100,3,FALSE)
03

Flexible INDEX & MATCH Lookup

Match an ID and return the corresponding value from another range.

=INDEX(E2:E100,MATCH(A2,D2:D100,0))

Date & Deadline Examples

Workdays

Calculate a Business-Day Deadline

Add ten working days to a start date while skipping weekends.

=WORKDAY(A2,10)
Month End

Find the End of the Month

Return the final date of the month containing the date in A2.

=EOMONTH(A2,0)

Dynamic Report Example

FILTER + SORT

Show High-Value Sales First

Filter the table to sales above 1000, then sort those rows by the third column from largest to smallest.

=SORT(FILTER(A2:C100,C2:C100>1000,"No results"),3,-1)

Practical Formula Cheat Sheet

Task Formula Use Case
Line total =B2*C2 Invoices and sales orders.
Commission =IF(B2>=1000,B2*10%,0) Sales incentives.
Conditional total =SUMIFS(C2:C100,A2:A100,"East") Reports by category or region.
Lookup =XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100,"Not found") Product or employee records.
Clean text =PROPER(TRIM(A2)) Imported names and labels.
Business deadline =WORKDAY(A2,10) Project and delivery dates.
Dynamic report =FILTER(A2:C100,C2:C100>1000) Live filtered reporting.
Tip: Start with the simplest formula that solves the problem. Once it works, add conditions, error handling, lookups, or dynamic array functions only when they make the workbook more useful or easier to maintain.

21 — Best Practices

Excel Formula Best Practices

Well-structured formulas are easier to understand, audit, reuse, and maintain. These best practices help reduce errors and make workbooks more reliable over time.

01

Use Clear Cell References

Use relative, absolute, or mixed references deliberately so formulas behave correctly when copied.

Relative =A2*B2
Absolute =A2*$F$1
02

Avoid Hard-Coded Values

Put rates, targets, tax percentages, and other changing assumptions in cells instead of burying them inside formulas.

Harder to maintain
=A2*1.25
Better
=A2*$F$1
03

Keep Formulas Readable

Break complex logic into clear steps when one giant formula becomes difficult to understand or debug.

Readability is usually more valuable than making a formula as short as possible.
04

Use Tables for Growing Data

Excel Tables automatically expand as new rows are added and make formulas easier to understand with structured references.

=SUM(Sales[Amount])
05

Use Named Ranges Carefully

Meaningful names can make formulas easier to read, especially for rates, thresholds, dates, and frequently reused ranges.

=Revenue*TaxRate
06

Handle Errors Intentionally

Use IFERROR or IFNA when an error condition is expected, but do not automatically hide every error in the workbook.

=IFNA(XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100),"Not found")
07

Test Edge Cases

Check how formulas behave with blanks, zeros, negative numbers, duplicates, missing lookups, and unexpected text values.

A formula that works for normal data may still fail on unusual inputs.
08

Prefer Modern Functions When Appropriate

Functions such as XLOOKUP, FILTER, SORT, and UNIQUE can replace more complicated older formulas in modern versions of Excel.

=XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100,"Not found")

Better Formula Patterns

Avoid

Hard-Code the Same Criteria Repeatedly

=SUMIF(A2:A100,"East",C2:C100)

If the region changes frequently, editing the formula each time is unnecessary.

Better
=SUMIF(A2:A100,E2,C2:C100)
Avoid

Hide Every Error

=IFERROR(A2/B2,"")

This may hide unexpected problems that should be investigated.

Better when zero is expected
=IF(B2=0,0,A2/B2)
Avoid

Fragile Lookup Column Numbers

=VLOOKUP(A2,D2:G100,4,FALSE)

Column numbers can become incorrect if the lookup table structure changes.

Modern alternative
=XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,G2:G100,"Not found")

Formula Auditing Checklist

✓

Check References

Verify that relative and absolute references behave correctly when copied.

✓

Check Inputs

Confirm that numbers, dates, and text are stored in the expected format.

✓

Check Boundaries

Test minimum, maximum, zero, blank, and negative values where relevant.

✓

Check Missing Data

Test lookup formulas when the requested value does not exist.

✓

Check Copied Formulas

Inspect the first and last rows after filling formulas down a large range.

✓

Check Dependencies

Make sure formulas do not rely on deleted sheets, columns, or outdated ranges.

Workbook Maintenance Tips

Keep Inputs Separate

Store assumptions and editable values in clearly identified cells or sections instead of mixing them into calculation formulas.

Document Complex Logic

Use clear headings, notes, and descriptive labels so another person can understand what the workbook is calculating.

Avoid Unnecessary Complexity

Do not combine several functions simply because you can. Prefer the simplest formula that produces the correct result.

Review Older Workbooks

Check whether outdated ranges, hard-coded assumptions, or legacy formulas can be simplified without breaking compatibility requirements.

For official syntax, compatibility details, and additional examples, see the Microsoft Excel formulas documentation .

Best practice: Build formulas for the next person who has to understand the workbook — even when that person is you six months from now.

22 — FAQ

Excel Formulas FAQ

Quick answers to common questions about Excel formulas, cell references, lookup functions, dynamic arrays, formula errors, and regional settings.

What is the difference between an Excel formula and a function?

A formula is any expression that starts with an equals sign, such as =A2+B2. A function is a predefined calculation used inside a formula, such as =SUM(A2:A10).

How do I lock a cell reference in Excel?

Add dollar signs to create an absolute reference. For example, $A$1 locks both the column and row when the formula is copied.

A1 Relative row and column
$A$1 Absolute row and column
$A1 Locked column
A$1 Locked row

While editing a reference, pressing F4 in Excel can cycle through the available reference types.

Should I use XLOOKUP or VLOOKUP?

For new workbooks in modern Excel, XLOOKUP is usually the more flexible choice. It can return values from either side of the lookup column, uses exact matching by default, and does not require a numeric column index.

VLOOKUP remains important when maintaining older workbooks or working with environments where XLOOKUP is unavailable.

XLOOKUP =XLOOKUP(A2,D2:D100,E2:E100,"Not found")
VLOOKUP =VLOOKUP(A2,D2:E100,2,FALSE)
Why is Excel showing my formula as text?

A formula may appear as text when the cell is formatted as Text, when the formula begins with an apostrophe, or when Excel’s Show Formulas mode is enabled.

01

Change the cell format from Text to General.

02

Remove any apostrophe before the equals sign.

03

Edit the formula and press Enter again after changing the format.

04

Check whether Show Formulas is enabled.

What does #SPILL! mean in Excel?

#SPILL! means a dynamic array formula cannot place all of its results into the required cells.

Check the cells around the formula for existing values, merged cells, or another obstruction. Once the spill area is clear, Excel can normally return the full dynamic array.

Example =UNIQUE(A2:A100)
How do I copy a formula without changing its cell references?

Use absolute references for any cells that must remain fixed. For example, if F1 contains a tax rate, use =A2*$F$1 instead of =A2*F1.

The reference to A2 can change as the formula is copied, while $F$1 always points to the same cell.

Why does Excel use semicolons instead of commas in my formulas?

Formula separators can vary with regional settings. Some Excel installations use commas between function arguments, while others use semicolons.

Comma separator =IF(A2>=70,"Pass","Fail")
Semicolon separator =IF(A2>=70;"Pass";"Fail")

The formulas on this cheat sheet use commas because that is the common English-language Excel convention.

How can I find an error inside a long Excel formula?

Break the formula into smaller parts and test each part separately. Check cell references, parentheses, quotation marks, argument separators, and data types.

Excel’s formula auditing tools, including Evaluate Formula, can also help show how a complex formula is being calculated step by step.

Why does an Excel lookup return #N/A even when the value looks correct?

Common causes include extra spaces, numbers stored as text, different data types, hidden characters, or a lookup value that is not actually present in the source range.

Functions such as TRIM can help clean imported text, but it is usually better to correct the underlying data before adding error handling.

Do Excel formulas update automatically when source data changes?

In normal automatic calculation mode, Excel recalculates dependent formulas when referenced data changes.

If formulas are not updating, check whether the workbook has been switched to manual calculation mode.