Basic Formula rules

[Stan]

How does a complete beginner go about creating a formula?

Is there a list of what each letter & symbol represents and how & where to
use them?

So far I have only worked out what =, sum and * does.
Surely there must be a list for a complete novice to learn from.

Stan

 

[Bob Phillips]

Stan,

The best place to start from would be to get a good book that covers the
basics of such things. You won't get a book that just addresses such a
limited subject, but there are books, such as the Excel 2003 Bible (John
Walkenbach) that will have a chapter on the subject.

--

HTH

RP
(remove nothere from the email address if mailing direct)

 

[Stan]

Many thanks Bob.

I wonder if It's available in e-book?

I will try to find a copy.

Stan

(e-mail address removed)

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

To get started, in Excel's Help, look for information on "calculation
operators", "create a formula" and "Examples of commonly used formulas"

 

[Bob Phillips]

Stan,

I found a couple of online links. Don't know how good they are, but check
them out

http://spreadsheets.about.com/od/excelfunctions/

http://www.tutorialbox.com/tutors/off2000/excel/functions.html

http://www.officetutorials.com/exceltutorials.htm

http://tutorials.learn.com/learncen...1241-4AE3-9B51-301E4053CB78&id=178409&page=38

 

[JulieD]

Hi Stan

if you'ld like to email me (julied_ng at hcts dot net dot au) direct i
have a couple of page document that covers just this topic, which i'ld be
happy to send you.

Cheeers
JulieD

 

[Tom Ogilvy]

John Walkenbach also has a book just on formulas:

http://j-walk.com/ss/books/xlbook24.htm

But I doubt if any of his books are available as ebooks.

 

[Stan]

Thanks Bob & Julie. Very helpfull.

I'm very surprised, this is the first group I found where a novice can post
a question boardering on being labled a "thicko" yet I get kind & helpfull
responses.
Not a single dig or joke in sight! Keep up the good work folks

Stan

"I am aware my spellchecker doesn't work! Perhaps it's slikdexlic like
myself..........."

 

[Stan]

Thanks Julie but every time I try to email you, it comes back undelivered.
Feel free to use the address I'm using here, it is my regular address.

Cheers

Stan

 

[Juco]

Stan,
If you can remember your Algebra (depends on ur age) and apply that to get
started, I am older and have used that to get things moving....it went a
long way....but unfortunately the memory doesn`t help. In any case I find
it all fasinating despite my failings :-(

Juco

 

[Bob Phillips]

That book is also labelled as for 'intermediate to advanced users', and from
Stan's post I don't think he considers himself at those stages yet.

Bob

 

[Bob Phillips]

Stan,

Julie's email address has spam prevention in it, so you need to read it,
follow the instructions in that address, and work out the correct email
address. You cannot just reply.

She also spelt it out longhand in her reply, but again you need to translate
the dot and at top correct email characters.

--

HTH

RP
(remove nothere from the email address if mailing direct)

 

[JulieD]

Hi Bob

thanks for this, just to let you know stan did get through to me.

Cheers
JulieD

 

[Stan]

Yeh, I think I realised that. An explanation for a child was not needed, but
thanks anyway.

Cheers Julie once again, apreciate your help

Stan

"I am aware my spellchecker doesn't work! Perhaps it's slikdexlic like
myself..........."

 

[Bob Phillips]

Yeh, I think I realised that. An explanation for a child was not needed, but
thanks anyway.

Sorry for trying to help, I certainly won't bother again.

 

[Stan]

Sarcasm wasn't required, I thought you were trying to help until I read your
post telling it like I was 12.
I don't like being made to look a twat in front of the whole group. Perhaps
a little more thought with wording would help.

Stan