Excel - Cell references Tutorial

In this video, you will learn about cell references in Microsoft 365. The video covers how to use cell references in Excel to link and manipulate data across different cells and worksheets.
This will help you improve your data analysis and organization skills in Microsoft 365.

1:34
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Available in Microsoft365

Objectifs :

Understand how to use cell references and ranges in Excel formulas, including the use of the SUM function to calculate totals.

Chapitres :

Introduction to Excel Cells
In Excel, one of the fundamental tasks is calculating values within cells. Cells are the individual boxes that you see in the grid of an Excel worksheet. Each cell is identified by its reference, which is determined by the intersection of its column and row. For example, the cell located in column D and row 5 is referred to as cell D5.
Using Cell References in Formulas
When you create a formula in Excel, you can use cell references to perform calculations. For instance, if you want to add the values in cells A2 and B2, you would write a formula that references these cells. Excel will automatically calculate the result based on the numbers in the referenced cells. If you change the value in any of the referenced cells, the formula will recalculate the new result automatically.
Working with Ranges of Cells
Instead of referencing individual cells, you can also reference multiple adjacent cells, known as a range of cells. For example, a range of cells might be referred to as F2:G5, where F2 is the first cell in the range and G5 is the last cell. This allows you to perform calculations on a group of cells at once.
Starting Formulas with an Equal Sign
All formulas in Excel begin with an equal sign (=). This indicates to Excel that you are entering a formula. For example, if you want to calculate the sum of a range of cells, you would use the SUM function in your formula. By referencing the range of cells, Excel will provide the total for that range.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding how to use cell references and ranges in Excel is crucial for effective data management and calculations. By utilizing the SUM function and referencing cells correctly, you can streamline your calculations and ensure accurate results.

FAQ :

What is a cell in Excel?

A cell in Excel is a single box in the worksheet grid where you can enter data. Each cell is identified by its column letter and row number.

How do I reference a cell in a formula?

To reference a cell in a formula, use its column letter followed by its row number, such as A1 or D5. This allows Excel to know which cell's value to use in the calculation.

What is a range of cells?

A range of cells is a group of adjacent cells in Excel, defined by the first cell and the last cell in the range, such as F2:G5.

How do I use the SUM function in Excel?

To use the SUM function, start your formula with an equal sign followed by 'SUM' and the range of cells you want to add, like =SUM(F2:G5). This will calculate the total of the specified cells.

What happens when I change a value in a cell that is referenced in a formula?

When you change a value in a cell that is referenced in a formula, Excel automatically recalculates the result of the formula to reflect the new value.

Quelques cas d'usages :

Budget Tracking

In a financial department, Excel can be used to track budgets by entering expenses in individual cells. By using cell references and the SUM function, users can quickly calculate total expenses and compare them against the budget.

Sales Data Analysis

Sales teams can utilize Excel to analyze sales data by entering sales figures in a range of cells. By applying formulas and functions, they can calculate totals, averages, and trends to make informed business decisions.

Project Management

Project managers can use Excel to track project timelines and resources. By referencing cells that contain task durations and costs, they can create formulas to calculate total project costs and completion times.

Inventory Management

In inventory management, Excel can help track stock levels. By entering quantities in cells and using the SUM function, managers can quickly determine total stock on hand and identify when to reorder supplies.

Glossaire :

Cell

A cell is a single box in the grid of an Excel worksheet where data can be entered. Each cell is identified by its column letter and row number, such as D5.

Cell Reference

A cell reference is the way to identify a specific cell in Excel, using its column letter and row number. For example, D5 refers to the cell in column D and row 5.

Formula

A formula is an expression that calculates the value of a cell. It can include numbers, cell references, and functions.

Range of Cells

A range of cells is a selection of multiple adjacent cells in Excel, defined by the first and last cell in the range. For example, F2:G5 includes all cells from F2 to G5.

SUM Function

The SUM function is a built-in Excel function that adds together a range of cells. It is used in formulas to calculate the total of the specified cells.

00:00:07

Cells are the boxes you see in the grid of an Excel worksheet,

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like this one.

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Each cell is identified on a worksheet by its reference,

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the column letter and row number that intersect at the cells location.

00:00:23

This cell is in column D and row 5, so it's cell D5.

00:00:30

The column always comes first in a cell reference.

00:00:35

When you use cell references in a formula,

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in this case, I'm adding cells A2 and B2,

00:00:43

Excel calculates the answer using the numbers in the referenced cells.

00:00:49

When I change the value on a cell, the formula calculates

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the new result automatically.

00:00:57

Instead of typing each individual cell in a formula,

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you can reference multiple adjacent cells called a range of cells.

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This range of cells is referred to as F2:G5.

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The first cell is F2 and the last cell is G5.

00:01:18

You always start a formula with an equal sign.

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I'm using the SUM function in the formula to add this range of cells.

00:01:28

And there we have the sum or total for the range of cells.

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