Module 3
3 min
Arithmetic Operators
Learn basic math operators in Excel
Arithmetic Operators
Do math in Excel using these simple symbols.
The 5 Math Operators
| Operator | Meaning | Example | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| + | Add | =5+3 | 8 |
| - | Subtract | =10-4 | 6 |
| * | Multiply | =6*2 | 12 |
| / | Divide | =20/5 | 4 |
| ^ | Power | =2^3 | 8 |
5 rows
How to Use
Step 1: Click a cell
Step 2: Type = (equals sign)
Step 3: Type your math
Step 4: Press Enter
Examples
Add Two Numbers
=10+5
Result: 15
Subtract
=100-30
Result: 70
Multiply
=7*8
Result: 56
Divide
=50/10
Result: 5
Power (Exponent)
=3^2 means 3 × 3
Result: 9
Use Cell References
Better than typing numbers directly!
| Cell A1 | Cell B1 | Formula in C1 | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 5 | =A1+B1 | 15 |
| 100 | 25 | =A1-B1 | 75 |
| 6 | 7 | =A1*B1 | 42 |
| 50 | 10 | =A1/B1 | 5 |
4 rows
Why use cell references?
Change the number in A1 → Result updates automatically!
Order of Operations
Excel follows math rules (BODMAS/PEMDAS):
- Brackets first ()
- Powers ^
- Multiply/Divide * /
- Add/Subtract + -
Example
=10+5*2
Excel does: 5*2 = 10, then 10+10 = 20
=(10+5)*2
Excel does: 10+5 = 15, then 15*2 = 30
Common Mistakes
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 10+5 | =10+5 | Forgot = sign |
| =10x5 | =10*5 | Use * not x |
| =10÷5 | =10/5 | Use / not ÷ |
3 rows
Summary
- Always start with =
- + add, - subtract, ***** multiply, / divide, ^ power
- Use cell references (A1, B1) instead of numbers
- Use brackets () to control order