Page 60 - Computer Class 07

Functions

A function is a predefined formula that performs calculations using specific values in a
particular order. Excel includes many common functions that can be used to quickly

find the sum, average, count, maximum value and minimum value for a range of
cells. In order to use functions correctly, you will need to understand the different parts
of a function and how to create arguments to calculate values and cell references.

The Parts of a Function

In order to work correctly, a function must be written a specific, way, which is called
the syntax . The basic syntax for a function is the equals sign (=), the function name

(SUM, for example, and one or more arguments. Arguments contain the information
you want to calculate. The function in the example below would add the values of the
cell range A1:A20

Equals sign

1

= SUM (A1 : A20)

Function Name Argument

Working with Arguments

Excel has a library of functions that allows you to quickly make specific calculations.
Functions in Excel take arguments. Most functions will require at least one argument.

Arguments can be a range of data, a specified output, or other parameters
depending on the particular function. Arguments are typically presented in brackets.

Here is a list of number of common functions that you are likely to use:

8 Average (number1, number2) - Calculates the average (mean) of a range of
cells.

8 Stdev (number1, number2) - Calculates the standard deviation of a range

of cells.
8 Sum (number1, number2) - Adds all of the values of a range of cells.

8 Count (Value1, Value2) - Counts the number of items in a range of

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