A formula is a set of instructions for calculating a value in a spreadsheet cell. Formulas consist of data and the instructions to process that data.

Note: You can also use formulas in a database to define calculation and summary fields, or to find specific records.

The data in a formula can include

•	numbers you type in the formula itself
•	values of other cells, provided by cell references (addresses, such as C2, or cell names)

The instructions for processing data can be

•	arithmetic operators (+, -, *, /)
•	functions, which provide instructions for mathematical, logical, or textual calculations

For more information, see the following topics:

	Entering spreadsheet formulas and functions
	Using spreadsheet cell references in formulas