Google Sheets

Basic functions

Video: Working with Functions

Watch the video (5:41).

A function is a predefined formula that performs calculations using specific values in a particular order. One of the key benefits of functions is that they can save you time because you do not have to write the entire formula yourself. Google Spreadsheets has several functions readily available and provides access to hundreds of other functions to assist with your calculations.

In order to use functions correctly, you will need to understand the different parts of a function and how to create arguments in functions to calculate values and cell references.

The parts of a function

Similar to entering a formula, the order in which you enter a function into a cell is important. Each function has a specific order, called syntax, that must be followed in order for the function to calculate properly. The basic syntax to create a formula with a function is to insert an equals sign (=), a function name (AVERAGE, for example, is the function name for finding an average), and an argument. Arguments contain the information you want the formula to calculate, such as a range of cell references.

Syntax of a basic function

Working with arguments

Arguments must be enclosed in parentheses ( ). Individual values or cell references inside the parentheses are separated by either colons or commas.

• Colons create a reference to a range of cells. For example, =SUM(F21:F27) would calculate the sum of the cell range F21 through F27.
  
  
• Commas separate individual values, cell references, and cell ranges. If there is more than one argument, each argument must be separated by a comma. For example, =COUNT(L5:L8,L12:L20,L25) will count all of the cells in the three arguments that are included in parentheses.