Google Sheets Syntax

Syntax

A formula in Google Sheets is used to do mathematical calculations. Formulas always start with the equal sign = typed in the cell, followed by your calculation.

Note: You claim the cell by selecting it and typing the equal sign (=)

Creating formulas, step by step

Select a cell
Type the equal sign (=)
Select a cell or type a value
Enter an arithmetic operator
Select another cell or a type value
Press Enter

For example =1+1 is the formula to calculate 1+1=2

Note: The value of a cell is communicated by reference(value) for example A1(2) means the cell A1 has value 2.

Using Formulas with Cells

You can type values to cells and use them in your formulas.

Lets type some dummy values to get started. Double click the cells to type values into them. Go ahead and type:

A1(309)
A2(320)
B1(39)
B2(35)

Compare with the picture shown below:

Copy Values

Note: Type values by selecting a cell, claim it by entering the equal sign (=) and then type your value. For example =309.

Well done! You have successfully typed values to cells and now we can use them to create formulas.

Here is how to do it, step by step.

Select the cell C1
Type the equal sign (=)
Select A1, the cell that has the (309) value
Type the minus sign (-)
Select B2, the cell that has the (35) value
Hit enter

Tip: The formula can be typed directly without clicking the cells. The typed formula would be the same as the value in C1 (=A1-B2).

The result after hitting the Enter button is C1(274). Did you make it?

Another Example

Let's try one more example, this time let's make the formula =A2-B1.

Here is how to do it, step by step.

Select the cell C2
Type the equal sign (=)
Select A2, the cell that has the (320) value
Type the minus sign (-)
Select B1, the cell that has the (39) value
Hit the Enter button

You got the result C2(281), right? Way to go!

Note: You can make formulas with all four arithmetic operations, such as addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*) and division (/).

Here are some examples: