Worked example 1
Cells B2:B5 hold weekly spending: 12, 30, 8, 20. Find the total in B6.
- Click B6.
- Type =SUM(B2:B5).
- Press Enter: 12 + 30 + 8 + 20.
Answer: 70
Digital & Computer Skills · Beginner
Spreadsheet basics: cells, formulas and SUM
A spreadsheet is a grid of cells for numbers and text. Formulas do the calculations for you and update when numbers change — ideal for budgets and lists.
- 1Learn it
- 2See it worked
- 3Try it online
- 4Print it
- 5Check your answer
Before you start
Who it's for and what to know first
Basic typing and the four operations.
Learn it
How it works
- Columns have letters (A, B, C) and rows have numbers (1, 2, 3). A cell's address combines them: B3 is column B, row 3.
- Every formula starts with =. For example =B2+B3 adds two cells.
- Operators: + add, − subtract, * multiply, / divide.
- SUM adds a range: =SUM(B2:B6) adds B2 to B6. AVERAGE finds the mean: =AVERAGE(B2:B6).
- Drag the small square at the bottom-right of a cell (the fill handle) to copy a formula down; references adjust automatically.
Try it online · print it · check it
Practice questions
Tips
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the = so the formula shows as text.
- Typing numbers into a formula instead of cell references, so it will not update.
Last reviewed: 25 September 2026