When you enter a formula, it displays the result. The formula in cell C8 hasn t been entered yet, so we can see what it is. You enter text, numbers or formulas by putting the cursor on the cell you want, then typing. You'll see the information fill in the cell, but you're actually working in the cell editing line above the column letters. It will cancel any changes.
Formulas are mathematical or statistical equations entered into a cell to perform a calculation.
When you write formulas, you use cell references . Excel uses functions to calculate things like averages, medians and sums. You enter cell references whenever possible. This allows the spreadsheet to automatically recalculate when you revise information. That's all you need to know to start working with spreadsheets.