Highlight cell B2 . Turn the mouse into the autofill handle. Working With Formulas Now let us consider keeping track of a sum of numbers. Given a row of numbers, we could start the calculator program, add up the numbers, and place that value in an appropriate cell. The better way to calculate totals in Excel is to use a formula.
Formulas use cell references rather than numbers.
That way, if the value of the cell changes, Excel automatically updates the formula s answer. A formula uses cell references to perform mathematical operations, such as addition and subtraction. Steps Action Results 1. Enter random numbers in cells B3 through B8. Data needed to total.