Excel function and formula builder

Start without knowing the function name

Build Excel formulas by task even if you are new to functions

Choose “Add numbers” and enter a range such as B2:B5 to see the formula to paste into Excel. Learn how to use F4 to keep that range fixed when copying.

What do you want to calculate?

Example: add the amounts in column B and display the total in B6.

Download the SUM example as CSV

Free, with no registration or email required. The formula file is created on your device.

SUM formula example

Range: B2:B5

Suggested function

SUMAdd numbers in the selected cells

Formula to paste into B6

=SUM(B2:B5)
RowA: ItemB: Amount
2Paper500
3Envelopes300
4Pens200
5Folders400
6Total1,400

Keep the range fixed with absolute references

While editing the formula, select B2:B5 and press F4 to change it to $B$2:$B$5. On some keyboards, press Fn and F4 together.

Interface for checking an Excel function and cell range

Check conditions and formulas

Change the task above to see the inputs it needs here. Changing the cell range also updates the formula on the right.

SUM adds numbers. Blank cells and cells containing text are excluded.

What the CSV includes

The CSV contains your task, cell range, destination cell, conditions, completed formula, formula with fixed references and F4 instructions. Each formula starts with a space to prevent automatic calculation when you open the CSV. Remove that leading space before pasting into Excel.

The amounts in the table above show an example of adding B2:B5. They are not calculated from actual data in the range you enter.

XLOOKUP requires a compatible version of Excel. The CSV is a record of your formulas and does not change your original Excel workbook.

Saved formulas

Save up to 30 formulas in this browser. They do not sync across devices. Clearing your browser data also removes these records.

Practice totals, conditions and lookups

Start your formula with “=”.