Module 1 · Lesson 2

Arithmetic formulas

Calculate product revenue with a formula that stays connected to its inputs.

Formulas describe the calculation

A reliable formula explains how to produce the answer. Referencing cells keeps the result connected to the source data.

=B2*C2

Use the correct operator

Excel uses + for addition, - for subtraction, * for multiplication, and / for division. Brackets control which calculation happens first.

  • Begin every formula with =.
  • Check one result before copying.
  • Avoid typing the visible answer into the result cell.

Key takeaway: Start with =, reference the source cells, and check that the answer changes when an input changes.