Functions in Microsoft Excel 2016

Microsoft Excel 2016 is one of the most powerful tools for managing and analyzing data. One of its best features is functions. Functions help you perform quick calculations without doing math manually. Whether you want to add numbers, find averages, or compare data, functions make your work easier and faster.

What is a Function in Excel?

A function in Excel is a built-in formula. It performs specific calculations using values you provide. These values are called arguments. You can think of a function as a small machine—you give it data, and it gives you a result.

Every function follows a specific pattern called syntax. Here’s what it looks like:

• Start with an equals sign (=)
• Type the function name (like SUM or AVERAGE)
• Add your arguments inside parentheses

Example:
=SUM(A1:A20) → This adds all numbers from cell A1 to A20.

Understanding Arguments

Arguments are the data you want Excel to use. They can be single cells, ranges, or multiple ranges separated by commas.

• =AVERAGE(B1:B9) → Finds the average of numbers from B1 to B9.
• =SUM(A1:A3, C1:C2, E1) → Adds values from different ranges and one single cell.

Common Excel Functions You Should Know

Here are some of the most used functions in Excel 2016:

• SUM: Adds numbers in a range.
• AVERAGE: Calculates the average of selected values.
• COUNT: Counts how many cells have numbers.
• MAX: Finds the highest number in a range.
• MIN: Finds the lowest number in a range.

How to Create a Function

1. Using AutoSum

• Select the cell where you want the result.
• Click the AutoSum button on the Home tab.
• Excel will suggest a range. Adjust if needed.
• Press Enter.

2. Entering a Function Manually

• Click the cell where you want to insert the function.
• Type = followed by the function name.
• Enter your argument(s) inside parentheses.
• Press Enter.

Example:
=AVERAGE(C3:C9) → Finds the average of numbers from C3 to C9.

Using the Function Library

Excel’s Function Library (under the Formulas tab) groups functions by category, making it easier to find what you need.

• Financial: For loan and interest calculations (e.g., PMT, RATE).
• Logical: For true/false conditions (e.g., IF).
• Text: For working with text (e.g., LOWER, REPLACE).
• Date & Time: For date-related tasks (e.g., NOW, TODAY).
• Lookup & Reference: For searching and linking data (e.g., VLOOKUP, INDEX).
• Math & Trig: For advanced math (e.g., ROUND, PI, PRODUCT).

Using the Insert Function Command

If you don’t remember a function’s name, Excel can help you find it.

• Select the cell where you want the result.
• Click Insert Function on the Formulas tab.
• Type a keyword like “average” or “count days.”
• Pick a function from the list and click OK.
• Enter your arguments and click OK again.

Example:
The =NETWORKDAYS function calculates business days between two dates.

Copying Functions Easily

You can copy a function to other cells quickly:

• Select the cell with the function.
• Drag the small square (fill handle) at the bottom-right corner of the cell.
• Excel will copy the function to nearby cells automatically.

5 FAQs of Functions in Microsoft Excel 2016

Conclusion

Functions in Microsoft Excel 2016 make data handling simple and efficient. Once you understand the basics—syntax, arguments, and categories—you can calculate anything easily. Practice using functions like SUM, AVERAGE, and COUNT to get comfortable. With time, you’ll find that Excel does most of the hard work for you!