Understanding Spreadsheets Cell data in spreadsheets can be classified as labels or values. Labels contain text and won't be used in calculations, while values contain numbers that may be used in calculations. Formulas in spreadsheets begin with an equal sign and instruct the software to perform calculations using math operators like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Calculations follow the order of operations, with parentheses, exponents, multiplication/division, and addition/subtraction calculated in that sequence.

1. Understanding Spreadsheets
• Cell Data
• Formulas
• Operations
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2. Cell Data -- is classified according to its
intended purpose.
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3. Cell Data Classifications
 Labels — the classification used for cells that contain text or for
numbers that will not be used in calculations
Examples: John Jones (text)
Dates, such as 1/03/2009 (considered as text)
Social Security #
Phone #
ZIP Code (a number, but will not be calculated)
Using an apostrophe ‘
Type an apostrophe (‘) before a number to make that entry
recognized as a label (the ‘ does not show when you press
enter). Example: ‘27613
(Put ‘ so the ZIP Code is recognized as a label or text,
not a value, by the computer)
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4. Cell Data Classifications
 Values — the classification indicating that the data has
the potential to be used in calculations
Example: 150
Cell Alignment for these classifications:
 Labels align at the left side of the cell
 Values align at the right side of the cell
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5. Data Types Examples
Label
Value
Formula
Formula Bar
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6. Basic Spreadsheet Formulas
All Formulas begin with an equal sign =
When the equal sign [or in some cases a plus
sign(+)] is keyed in a cell, the software
“knows” that the data will be used in a
calculation.
Formulas instruct the software to perform a calculation.
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7. Basic Spreadsheet Formulas
Formulas use the following:
 Addition
 Division
 Multiplication
 Subtraction
These Math Operators are used in formulas
(performing Math Operations):
+ for Addition - for Subtraction
* for Multiplication / for Division
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8. Basic Spreadsheet Formulas
Examples of basic formulas:
if using Cells B7 and C7:
Addition =B7+C7
Subtraction =B7-C7
Multiplication =B7*C7
Division =B7/C7
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9. Order of Operations
Calculations are performed according to the
Order of Operations.
(which means, they calculate in a specific order)
To remember the Order Of Operations:
remember PEMDAS—Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally
P parentheses performs operations on the items
enclosed in (parentheses) first
E exponentiation ^
M multiplication * (from left to right)
D division /
A addition + (from left to right)
S subtraction -
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10. Order of Operation Example
=(A8+C9)/(H8-L9)
The parentheses around the first part of the
formula force Excel to calculate (A8+C9) first.
then calculate (H8-L9),
then divide the 2 results.
A8 = 10
C9 = 2
H8 = 7
L9 = 1
SOLVE!!
=(10+2)/(7-1)
=12/6
=2
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11. You can see this screen containing formulas by holding the Ctrl key
and tapping the ` (tilde/accent) key.
Repeat Ctrl + ` to return to the normal Excel screen view.
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