There are several formulas used in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets that allow users to customize how the information entered into the spreadsheet is calculated and displayed. Microsoft Excel formulas are used to determine how the information that is contained within each cell of the spreadsheet interacts with the information from other cells.http://spreadsheets.about.com/od/tipsandfaqs/f/excel_use.htm An Excel spreadsheet is made up of columns and rows, and where these intersect, a cell is formed. The cell name is then determined by what letter column and numbered row created it. For example, where column F and row 4 intersect, the cell name is F4.These cells are then edited with text or numbers. When a formula is placed in a cell, it performs the desired function. Once the calculation is made, the result will be displayed within the cell that contained the Excel formula.http://spreadsheets.about.com/od/tipsandfaqs/f/excel_use.htm

Excel formulas are used to compile data from a spreadsheet in a variety of different ways. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/examples-of-commonly-used-formulas-HP005200127.aspx

• A conditional formula is one that can determine the greater of two cell values. It can also be used to hide or unhide the value of zero. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/check-if-a-number-is-greater-than-or-less-than-another-number-HP003056132.aspx?CTT=5&origin=HP005200127

• Date and time formulas can calculate the addition of multiple times and dates. They can also determine the difference in two or more times or dates and be used as a countdown tool.http://www.exceltip.com/st/Calculating_the_Difference_Between_Hours/97.html

• Math formulas are very popular formulas that are used to perform common math equations using the data from multiple cells. Formulas are available for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. http://www.exceltip.com/excel_tips/Excel_Array_Formulas/106.html

• Financial formulas can be used to keep a running total or to calculate an annual growth rate.http://www.exceltip.com/excel_tips/Excel_Financial_Formulas/110.html

• Text formulas for Excel are used to search for matching text throughout the cells, combine the text from one or more cells or other alterations to the inputted data. http://www.exceltip.com/excel_tips/Excel_Text/9.html

• Counting tasks are performed by formulas that calculate each time a cell or a cell value occurs.http://www.exceltip.com/excel_tips/Counting/105.html