What is a formula?

A formula is like a set of instructions for calculating or retrieving values. Here are some examples of formulas:

=341 * .065

Multiplies 341 by .065.

=A9 - C14

Subtracts the value in C14 from the value in A9.

=(A3 + A4)/.125

Adds the values in A3 and A4, then divides by .125.

=SALES - B5

Subtracts the value in B5 from the value in a field named SALES (you’ll read about naming fields later in this chapter).

=TOTAL (D8..D11)

Using one of Ability’s built-in functions, (TOTAL), adds the values in fields D8 to D11.

=Sheet1!A1 * 2

Multiplies the contents of cell A1, in the worksheet called Sheet1, by 2.

See also:

Arithmetic operators

How to enter a formula

Function reference