04Adv Insert Function Box

explain how to use the Insert Function box in Excel.

Insert Function Box

The formula that sums up a range of cells is illustrated below in calculating the cost of an order for stationary (to format cells so that numbers are shown in pounds and pence see the handout Formatting Numerical Cells). If the subtotal shown in cell D6 was calculated using the above method, and the values of VAT and postage and packaging are already known, then the total cost shown in cell D9 can be calculated using the formula =SUM(D6:D8) assigned to cell D9. This formula sums up the values in the cells ranging from D6 to D8 (the : means range), in other words the subtotal cost of the goods (in cell D6) plus the VAT (in cell D7) plus the postage and packing charge (in cell D8):

To enter the above formula into a cell using menus:

1. Click on the cell where the result of the calculation should appear (D9).
2. Click on Insert on the menu bar.
3. In the pop-down menu click on Function.
   The Insert Function box should appear on the screen:



4. In the Select a function window ensure SUM is selected.
5. Click OK.
   The Function Arguments box will appear on the screen:

   

   At the top part of the box in the SUM section the range of cells to be included in the sum will automatically appear in the window Number1 as D7:D8.
6. Click on the window next to Number1 and change the range to D6:D8.
   In the bottom part of the box the result of the formula will be shown. In this case it is £159.12.
7. Click OK.
   The result of the formula will appear in cell D9 and the formula will appear in the formula bar above the worksheet.

To enter the above formulea using the excel standard toolbar:

1. Click on cell D9.
2. Click on the AutoSum button on the standard toolbar.
3. Ensure that the formula is =SUM(D6:D8)
4. Press ENTER.