Spreadsheets follow the usual maths order: powers first, then * and /, then + and -. Brackets go before everything. =2+3*4 is 14, while =(2+3)*4 is 20.
The real time-saver is copying. Write a formula once, then drag the small square at the corner of the cell (the fill handle) down the column, or copy and paste it. References move with it: =B2*C2 in D2 becomes =B3*C3 in D3, =B4*C4 in D4, and so on. That's usually exactly what you want.
Sometimes a formula must keep pointing at one cell, such as a tax rate or an exchange rate in the corner of the sheet. Put $ in front of the parts that must stay: $B$1 stays on B1 wherever you copy it. $B1 keeps only the column, and B$1 keeps only the row. In Excel, pressing F4 with the cursor on a reference cycles through these.
In the grids below, your formula is copied down the rows marked with a dashed border, and every copy has to come out right.
Practice
Ana's average is the two scores added together, then halved. Write it in D2.
A
B
C
D
1
Name
Test 1
Test 2
Average
2
Ana
78
92
D2
More info
Quick reference
( )
Work this part out first.
$B$1
Always B1, wherever the formula is copied.
$B1 / B$1
Lock only the column, or only the row.
The practice answers
Other formulas that give the same results count too.
Ana's average is the two scores added together, then halved. Write it in D2. =(B2+C2)/2
Write the total for the pens in D2. It's copied down to D5, so it must work on every row. =B2*C2
Add the tax rate in B1 to each price. Write it in C3; it's copied down to C5. =B3*(1+$B$1)
What share of the total is each region? Write it in C2 as a fraction (0.42 for 42%); it's copied down to C5. =B2/$B$6
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