Perform calculations on datasets using formulas and functions
Create formulas to calculate across rows and columns
Apply aggregate functions to analyze numerical data
Create conditional formulas using logical functions
Start every formula with an equal sign (=)
Use cell references (such as A1 or B5) instead of typing numbers directly
Use basic operators: + (add), - (subtract), * (multiply), / (divide)
Press Enter to complete the formula
Watch the video below to see this objective in action.
Using the Restaurant Social Media Metrics dataset, create a formula to calculate total engagement (likes + comments + shares) for each post.
Click on cell Q1 and type "Total Engagement" as a header
Click on cell Q2 to start your formula
Type =D2+E2+F2 (adding likes, comments, and shares)
Press Enter to complete the formula
Copy the formula down to all rows by selecting Q2 and dragging the fill handle to Q34. (Note: the fill handle is the small square at the bottom-right corner of a selected cell)
Take time to practice and explore these techniques at your own pace. What other new insights can you find in the data?
Aggregate functions combine multiple values into a single result.
Use SUM() to add up values in a range
Use AVERAGE() to find the mean of values
Use COUNT() to count cells with numbers
Type the function name followed by the range in parentheses
Watch the video below to see this objective in action.
Using the Restaurant Social Media Metrics dataset, calculate the average engagement rate across all platforms using aggregate functions.
(Note: In Excel cell references, the letter I (eye) may appear similar to the number 1 (one). Column I refers to the ninth column in the spreadsheet.)
Click on an empty cell (like Q35)
Type =AVERAGE(I2:I34) to calculate average engagement rate
Press Enter to see the result
In Q36, use =MAX(I2:I34) to find the highest engagement rate
In Q37, use =COUNT(I2:I34) to count the total number of posts
Take time to practice and explore these techniques at your own pace. What other new insights can you find in the data?
Use IF(condition, value_if_true, value_if_false) for basic conditions
Use AND() when all conditions must be true
Use OR() when any condition can be true
Combine functions for complex logic
Watch the video below to see this objective in action.
Using the Restaurant Social Media Metrics dataset, create a formula to categorize posts as "High Performing" if the engagement rate is above 15%, otherwise "Standard."
Click on cell R1 and type "Performance Category" as a header
Click on cell R2 to create your conditional formula
Type =IF(I2>15,"High Performing","Standard")
Press Enter to complete the formula
Copy the formula down to all rows to categorize each post's performance
Take time to practice and explore these techniques at your own pace. What other new insights can you find in the data?
Review and save your own copy of the Formulas & Functions Infographic for future reference!
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