How to Use Excel Formula Functions

1. Launch Microsoft Excel. You can begin with a blank document or open an existing document for which you want to use formula functions. If you do not have MS Excel, use the link in Resources for a free trial.
2. Populate the spreadsheet with the data appropriate to one or more of the Excel functions that you want to use. Click once inside the cell in which you want to use a formula. Click once on the 'Insert Function' button, which is represented by the symbol 'fx' and is located immediately to the left of the 'Formula Bar.' This will launch a separate window in which you may choose the appropriate formula.
3. Use the 'Category' drop-down menu on the 'Insert Function' window to choose from a list of formula types. This will narrow the results of available formulas, but you can also choose the 'All' listing to display all available function formulas. If you are not certain which formula to use, you can type a description into the 'Search' field and click once on the 'Go' button. Click once on the function that you want to use and once on the 'OK' button. This will usually launch a separate window, if further detail is required for Excel to run the function.
4. Enter the appropriate information into any of the required fields on the 'Function Arguments' window. The names and ranges of selected criteria will display to the right of any required field, and will be red if using the entry will result in an error, or green if accurate. The anticipated result of any formula will appear to the bottom of the 'Function Arguments' window. Once the appropriate criteria have been met, click the 'OK' button once. The result will appear in the selected field.