Use formulas and functions

Formulas let you calculate values from other cells. You type them directly in the grid or in the formula bar, and Sheets updates the result whenever the referenced cells change.

Write a formula

1. Click the cell where you want the result.
2. Type = to start the formula.
3. Type the expression. For example, =A1+A2 adds the values in those two cells, and =SUM(A1:A10) adds all ten cells in the range.
4. Press Enter to confirm. Sheets shows the result in the cell. Press Escape if you want to cancel without saving.

You can also click the formula bar (the bar just below the menu bar) to enter or edit a formula there. The formula bar and the cell always show the same content.

Click cells to add references

While you are typing a formula, click any cell to insert its reference at the cursor position. Sheets highlights the referenced cells in colour so you can see what the formula covers. You can also click and drag to select a range.

Use the autocomplete

As soon as you type one or more letters after the = sign, a dropdown list appears showing matching function names.

• Press the ↑ and ↓ arrow keys to move through the list.
• Press Enter or Tab to insert the highlighted function. Sheets adds the function name and an opening bracket.
• Press Escape to close the list without inserting anything.

After you insert a function, a small hint panel appears below the cell. It shows the function signature, a short description, and the name and purpose of each parameter.

Quick functions with Auto SUM

For the most common calculations, open Insert → Auto SUM. The submenu offers:

• Sum (SUM): total the values in the cells above or to the left of the selection.
• Average: arithmetic mean.
• Count: number of cells containing a number.
• Max: largest value.
• Min: smallest value.

Sheets inserts the chosen formula with the most likely range already filled in. Adjust the range if needed, then press Enter.

Browse all functions

To find a function you do not know by name:

1. Open Insert → Auto SUM → Learn more...
2. The Select a function dialog opens. Type a name or description in the Search function box to filter the list, or pick a category from the Or select a category dropdown (such as Statistical, Logical, or Text).
3. Click a function in the list to read its description.
4. Click OK to insert it into the active cell, or Cancel to close without inserting.

Correct a formula

To edit a formula you have already entered, double-click the cell or click it and then click the formula bar. The referenced cells are highlighted again so you can see the range. Edit the text, then press Enter to save.

To delete a formula, select the cell and press Backspace or Delete.