Spreadsheet Features - Simple Functions

Syllabus Detail

  • Simple functions (sum, average, min, max, count, countif) 11 ATAR

Background

  • A function is a piece of code that, when run, performs a specific pre-defined taks
  • Spreadsheet software can also be used to create simple and even complex functions
  • Below are some basic functions that can be implemented in spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel
  • Read The Computing Teacher's article on Simple Formulae here

 

Basic Function: Sum

  • This function returns the sum of two (or more) cells
  • Example : =sum(B4:D4) 

Screen Shot 2016 02 19 at 9.36.57 pm

 

Basic Function: Average

  • This function returns the average of two (or more) cells
  • Example: =average(G3 + F9)
  • For use with a range of cells: =average(B4:D10)

Screen Shot 2016 02 19 at 9.10.22 pm

 

Basic Function: Min

  • This function returns the minimum value out of the range of cells provided
  • Example: =min(B4:D10)

Screen Shot 2016 02 19 at 9.15.36 pm

 

Basic Function: Max

  • This function returns the maximum value out of the range of cells provided
  • Example: =max(B4:D10)

Screen Shot 2016 02 19 at 9.16.56 pm

 

Basic Function: Count

  • This function returns the tally of cells that have a value
  • In this example it is used to find out how many students are in the class
  • Example: =count(E4:E10)

Screen Shot 2016 02 19 at 9.33.22 pm

 

Basic Function: Countif

  • This function returns the number of cells that meet a criteria
  • Example: =countif(range, criteria)
  • In this example in the cells from E4 to E10, count how many cells have a value greater than 10

Screen Shot 2016 02 19 at 9.26.47 pm

Further Research

  • Working with basic functions by GCF LearnFree.org here
  • Excel formulae cheatsheet by PCWorld here
  • Excel functions and formulas list by Tech On The Net here
  • Watch Excel Spreadsheet Basics on YouTube here

 

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