Course / Spreadsheet Basics

Arithmetic with cell references

Add, subtract, multiply and divide using values from other cells. Beginner · 4 min · + − × ÷, Cell references

Formulas can use these operators:

• + add, - subtract
• * multiply, / divide
• ^ raise to a power

Point formulas at cells rather than typing the numbers in. Then the result stays right when the data changes.

Steps

1. Work out the cost of the notebooks. In D2, multiply the price by the quantity: =B2*C2

2. Do the same for the other two products in D3 and D4.

3. Add up the three line totals in D6.

4. The order gets a 10% discount. In D7, work out 10% of the subtotal.

5. Finally, in D8, subtract the discount from the subtotal.

Remember

• * multiplies and / divides.
• 10% is just another way to write 0.1.
• Reference cells (=B2*C2) instead of typing numbers, so results stay correct when inputs change.

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