Calculation operators are symbols that determine the type of operation to be performed on the components of a formula in Excel. There are 16 calculation operators in Excel. Some of them perform basic mathematical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc., while others perform more complex operations such as comparing values, concatenating text strings or creating references to a range of cells.
Watch a video or read about each calculation operator in Excel for an easy explanation with examples.
Calculation operators in Excel fall into 4 types based on the operations they perform: arithmetic, comparison, text concatenation and reference. The following table summarizes them:
| Arithmetic | Comparison | Text Concatenation | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| + (plus sign) | = (equal sign) | & (ampersand) | : (colon) |
| – (minus sign) | > (greater than sign) | , (comma) | |
| * (asterisk) | < (less than sign) | (space) | |
| / (forward slash) | >= (greater than or equal to sign) | ||
| % (percent sign) | <= (less than or equal to sign) | ||
| ^ (caret) | <> (not equal to sign) |
Arithmetic Operators
Arithmetic operators perform basic arithmetic operations. The following are arithmetic operators used in Excel:
1. + (plus sign) – Performs addition. For example, =A1+B1=8
2. – (minus sign) – a) Performs subtraction; b) Denotes negation. For example, a) =A1-B1=4; b) =-A1= -6
3. * (asterisk) – Performs multiplication. For example, =A1*B1=12
4. / (forward slash) – Performs division. For example, =A1/B1=3
5. % (percent sign) – Denotes percent (Divides by 100). For example, =A1%=0.06 or 6%
6. ^ (caret) – Performs exponentiation. For example, =A1^B1=36
See examples of formulas with arithmetic operators below in pictures:
Comparison Operators
Comparison operators compare two values, and as a result, produce a logical value either TRUE or FALSE. They are generally used with logical functions (IF, AND, OR, etc.) when setting or checking a condition. The following are comparison operators used in Excel:
1. = (equal sign) – Denotes equality. For example, =A1=B1=FALSE
2. > (greater than sign) – Denotes inequality in which the left side is greater than the right side. For example, =A1>B1=TRUE
3. < (less than sign) – Denotes inequality in which the left side is less than the right side. For example, =A1<B1=FALSE
4. >= (greater than or equal to sign) – Denotes inequality in which the left side is greater than or equal to the right side. For example, =A1>=B1=TRUE
5. <= (less than or equal to sign) – Denotes inequality in which the left side is less than or equal to the right side. For example, =A1<=B1=FALSE
6. <> (not equal to sign) – Denotes inequality. For example, =A1<>B1=TRUE
See examples of formulas with comparison operators below in pictures:
Text Concatenation Operator
Text concatenation operator produces one text string from two or more text strings. The following is a text concatenation operator used in Excel:
1. & (ampersand) – Concatenates or joins several text strings into one text string. For example, =A1&B1=62
See examples of formulas with a text concatenation operator below in pictures:
Reference Operators
Reference operators create references to a range of cells. The following are reference operators used in Excel:
1. : (colon) – Creates a reference to a range of cells between and including two cell references. For example, =SUM(A1:D2)=37
2. , (comma) – Creates a reference to a range of cells made from the union of multiple ranges of cells. For example, =SUM(A1:B2,D1:D2)=21
3. (space) – Creates a reference to a range of cells made from the intersection of multiple ranges of cells. For example, =SUM(A1:C2 A2:D2)=15
See examples of formulas with reference operators below in pictures:
So, this was an easy explanation of each calculation operator in Excel with examples.
If you have any additions or comments about calculation operators in Excel, please feel free to write in the comment section below.