Although it is perfectly possible to use Excel without ever creating a formula or using a function if you don't, you're missing out on a huge part of the application’s power.
Without formulas and functions, Excel would not be able to perform its calculations. So think of any scenario that involves addition, subtraction, division, or multiplication and that's where you'd use a formula.
Functions are built-in formulas that have been programmed to perform a specific calculation. They can often be used to shorten and simplify what would otherwise be a long-winded manually-entered formula.
Learning how to create formulas will automate your calculations and save you a ton of time. No more using your fingers. No more mental arithmetic. No more using the calculator app on your Smartphone! Let Excel do the work for you!
Mike has worked in the IT training business since 1989 where his expertise and experience covers designing, delivering training courses, writing training materials and recording and editing video-based tutorials. Although he is a subject matter expert in a range of Microsoft technologies and has worked extensively with Mac OSX and Mac-related software since 2006; however, his passion is for all-things-Excel and in 2012 he founded the website theexceltrainer.co.uk
Mike is a Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute and has worked with and for a large number of global and UK-based companies and organizations across a diverse range of sectors. In addition to training, he designs and develops Microsoft Office-based solutions that automate key business tasks and processes.