Arithmetic Operators
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Arithmetic Operators
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Arithmetic Operators
Arithmetic Operators
The Building Blocks of Excel Calculations
Arithmetic operators tell Excel exactly what kind of mathematical operation to perform. While some symbols look like the ones you used in school, others (like multiplication and powers) are specific to computer keyboards.
Main Operators
| Operation | Symbol | Example Formula | Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addition | + | =A1 + B1 | Adds two values together. |
| Subtraction | - | =A1 - B1 | Subtracts the second from the first. |
| Multiplication | * | =A2 * B2 | Uses the asterisk symbol. |
| Division | / | =A3 / B3 | Uses the forward slash. |
| Power (Exponent) | ^ | =A4 ^ 2 | Raises A4 to the power of 2. |
| Percentage | % | =20% * A1 | Calculates 20% of the value in A1. |
⚠️ Common Beginner Error
Don't use the letter 'x' for multiplication or a '÷' for division. Excel will not recognize them and will show a #NAME? error. Always use * and /.
⌨️ Finding the Symbols
- Asterisk (*): Shift + 8
- Power (^): Shift + 6
- Forward Slash (/): Near the Right Shift key.
💡 Skill Eco Pro-Tip: Percentages Made Easy
In Excel, you don't need to divide by 100 to get a percentage. If you type =A1 * 10%, Excel automatically knows to treat 10% as 0.1. This keeps your formulas clean and easy to read!
🏋️ Test Yourself With Exercises
Take our quiz on Arithmetic Operators to test your knowledge.
Exercise »