Using formulas and functions (min, max, median, average, sum)

What is a Formula?

A formula is an equation used to calculate values in a spreadsheet. Every formula starts with =.

Example:

=B2*C2

What is a Function?

A function is a built-in formula.

Common Functions

SUM = adds values

AVERAGE = finds the mean

MIN = finds the smallest value

MAX = finds the largest value

MEDIAN = finds the middle value

Example Data

Enter this in cells A1:B6:

How to Use Functions

Assume marks are in cells B2:B6.

1. Total marks: =SUM(B2:B6)
2. Average marks: =AVERAGE(B2:B6)
3. Minimum marks: =MIN(B2:B6)
4. Maximum marks: =MAX(B2:B6)
5. Median marks: =MEDIAN(B2:B6)

Exercise 3: Functions Practice

Using the marks table above, calculate:

1. Total marks
2. Average marks
3. Highest marks
4. Lowest marks
5. Median marks

Exercise 4: Formula Practice

Enter this table in cells A1:C5:

Task

1. In column D, create a heading called Total.
2. In cell D2, enter a formula to calculate Quantity × Price.
3. Copy the formula down to D5.
4. In D6, calculate the grand total using SUM.