Parentheses in Formulas

Parentheses (brackets) tell Excel what to calculate first.

Why Parentheses Matter

Without parentheses, Excel follows math rules:

1. Multiply and divide first
2. Add and subtract last

Example

=10+5*2

Excel does: 5×2 = 10, then 10+10 = 20

But what if you want to add first?

=(10+5)*2

Excel does: 10+5 = 15, then 15×2 = 30

Simple Rule

What's inside () happens first.

Real Examples

Example 1: Calculate Average Price

You have 3 prices: 100, 150, 200

Wrong: =100+150+200/3 = 316.67

Excel does: 200÷3 first, then adds 100+150

Right: =(100+150+200)/3 = 150

Example 2: Calculate Total with Tax

Price = 100, Tax = 10%

Wrong: =100+100*10/100

Right: =100*(1+10/100) = 110

Example 3: Percentage Change

Old = 50, New = 75

Formula: =(75-50)/50*100 = 50%

Subtract first (in brackets), then divide.

Nested Parentheses

You can put brackets inside brackets.

Excel solves inside brackets first.

=((10+5)*2)+10

Step 1: 10+5 = 15

Step 2: 15×2 = 30

Step 3: 30+10 = 40

Final Result: 40

Common Mistakes

Tip: Count your brackets! Opening ( must equal closing )

Summary

• Use () to control what calculates first
• Inside brackets = happens first
• Always match opening and closing brackets
• When in doubt, add more brackets!