Here are the important symbols used in Excel Formulas. Each of these special characters have used for different purpose in Excel. Let us see complete list of symbols used in Excel Formulas, its meaning and uses.
Symbols Used in Excel Formula
Following symbols are used in Excel Formula. They will perform different actions in Excel Formulas and Functions.
| Symbol | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| = | Equal to | Every Excel formula begins with the equal sign (=). Example: =A1+A5 |
| () | Parentheses | All arguments of the Excel functions are specified between the parentheses. Example: =COUNTIF(A1:A5,5) |
| () | Parentheses | Expressions specified in the parentheses are evaluated first. Parentheses change the order of operations in an Excel formula. Example: =25+(35*2)+5 |
| * | Asterisk | Acts as a wildcard operator when enclosed in quotes (to denote all values in a list) and as the multiplication operator in arithmetic formulas. Example: =COUNTIF(A1:A5,”*”) |
| , | Comma | Separates the arguments of a function in Excel formulas. Example: =COUNTIF(A1:A5,”>”&B1) |
| & | Ampersand | The concatenate operator; it joins two strings into one. Example: = “Total: ” & SUM(B2:B25) |
| $ | Dollar | Makes cell references absolute in Excel formulas so that they do not change when copied. Example: =SUM($B$2:$B$25) |
| ! | Exclamation | Separates sheet names (or table names) from cell references in Excel formulas. Example: =SUM(Sheet2!B2:B25) |
| [] | Square Brackets | Used to refer to a field name within an Excel table (List Object). Example: =SUM(Table1[Column1]) |
| {} | Curly Brackets | Denote an array formula in Excel. Example: {=MAX(A1:A5-G1:G5)} |
| : | Colon | Creates a reference to all cells between two endpoints. Example: =SUM(B2:B25) |
| , | Comma (Union Operator) | When used between ranges, it combines multiple references into one. Example: =SUM(A2:A25, B2:B25) |
| (space) | Space (Intersection Operator) | Returns the common cells (intersection) between two ranges. Example: =SUM(A2:A10 A5:A25) |
| ! | Exclamation Mark (Worksheet Reference) | Used to reference cells on a specific worksheet. It can be used with named ranges to switch between relative and absolute sheet references. Examples: Relative Sheet Reference: mySum =SUM(!$A$1:$D$1) Absolute Sheet Reference: mySum =SUM(Sheet2!$A$1:$D$1) |
| + | Plus | Arithmetic operator for addition. Example: =A1+B1 |
| – | Minus | Arithmetic operator for subtraction. Example: =A1-B1 |
| * | Asterisk | Arithmetic operator for multiplication. Example: =A1*B1 |
| / | Forward Slash | Arithmetic operator for division. Example: =A1/B1 |
| ^ | Caret | Arithmetic operator for exponentiation (raising a number to a power). Example: =A1^B1 |
| #spill | Spill Error | Error returned when a formula that produces multiple cells cannot output its results because the destination range isn’t empty. Example: =A1:A5+10 (if any cell in the target range is not blank, it returns a #spill error) |
| @ | At Symbol | Used in structured references to indicate the current row and to handle implicit intersection in modern Excel. Example: =Table1[@Sales] |
| % | Percentage | Denotes a percentage; converts a number to its percentage value. Example: =50% |
| <> | Not Equal To | Logical operator used to compare two values for inequality. Example: =IF(A1<>B1, “Not Equal”, “Equal”) |
| < | Less Than | Logical operator that returns TRUE if the value on the left is less than the value on the right. Example: =IF(A1<10, “Low”, “High”) |
| > | Greater Than | Logical operator that returns TRUE if the value on the left is greater than the value on the right. Example: =IF(A1>10, “High”, “Low”) |
| <= | Less Than or Equal To | Logical operator that returns TRUE if the value on the left is less than or equal to the value on the right. Example: =IF(A1<=10, “Low”, “High”) |
| >= | Greater Than or Equal To | Logical operator that returns TRUE if the value on the left is greater than or equal to the value on the right. Example: =IF(A1>=10, “High”, “Low”) |
| ; | Semicolon | An alternative argument separator in Excel formulas (used in some regional settings). Example: =SUM(A1;A2;A3) |
| ~ | Tilde | Acts as an escape character for wildcard characters in text functions so that they are treated literally. Example: =SEARCH(“~*”, A1) |
| \ | Backslash | Used in file paths for referencing external workbooks or directories. Example: =’C:\Folder\[Workbook.xlsx]Sheet1′!A1 |
| =+ | Historical Notation | An older convention where Excel ignores the plus sign immediately following the equal sign; functionally equivalent to using just =. Example: =+A1+B1 (same as =A1+B1) |
| “ | Double Quotes | Enclose text strings in Excel formulas. Example: = “Hello World” |
| ‘ | Apostrophe | Forces Excel to treat the cell content as text, preserving formats like leading zeros. Example: =0123 |
With Excel’s vast functionality, it’s no surprise there are countless queries about symbols, syntax, and special characters. Whether you’re wondering What does the money sign mean in Excel?, What symbol is used to start a formula in Excel?, What does #### mean in Excel?, or What does <> mean in Excel formula?, this guide has you covered. Below you’ll find in-depth explanations for all the most commonly asked questions—plus some advanced tips! Let’s dive in!
All Formulas Begin With the = Sign
Every Excel formula starts with an equals sign (=), and understanding this basic rule is key to mastering Excel spreadsheets. In this section, we explore why the equals sign is so essential in Excel formulas and how it helps differentiate a calculation from plain text. Whether you’re new to Excel or looking to brush up on your skills, this introduction sets the foundation for all formula writing.
Common Queries Answered
- Which symbol is used to start a formula in Excel?
- What symbol must you use at the beginning of a cell when you want to use a function?
- All formulas and functions begin with this symbol.
- In MS Excel, what symbol is used before a number to indicate a formula?
- Which symbol does a formula start with?
- Formulae must always start with which symbol?
Short Answer:
In Excel, every formula starts with an equals sign (=). Without =, Excel interprets your entry as plain text (or another data type), not a calculation.
Examples:
=A1+B1
=SUM(A1:A10)
=IF(A1<>B1, "Not Equal", "Equal")
Some users may see old habits like
=+A1+B1
The essential part is the =—the + is a relic from older spreadsheet software but still recognized in Excel. Queries such as “All formulas in Excel begin with the following symbol” point to the = sign.
What Does the Dollar Sign ($) Mean in Excel?
The dollar sign ($) is one of the most powerful tools in Excel, enabling you to lock cell references and create more reliable formulas. This section covers how to use absolute and mixed references effectively in your Excel spreadsheets, ensuring that your formulas remain accurate even when copied or moved.
Common Queries Answered
- What does the money sign mean in Excel?
- $ in Excel meaning
- What is $ in Excel formula?
- What does $ do in Excel?
- How to use $ symbol in Excel formula?
- Meaning of $ in Excel formula
Short Answer:
The $ sign in Excel locks the cell reference (called an absolute reference).
- Relative Reference: =A1changes if you copy the formula to a different row or column.
- Absolute Reference: =$A$1never changes, no matter where you move or copy the formula.
- Mixed References:
- =$A1:locks only the column (A)
- =A$1:locks only the row (1)
Why Use It?
When you want part (or all) of a reference to remain fixed—often in tasks like calculating commissions from a single tax rate cell.
#### in Excel: Why It Appears and What It Means
Encountering a series of hash marks (####) in Excel can be confusing at first glance. This section explains why this error appears, typically due to a cell not being wide enough, and offers practical solutions to ensure your Excel formulas and data display correctly.
Common Queries Answered
- What does #### mean in Excel?
- #### in Excel meaning
- Why do I see ##### in a cell?
- ####### meaning in Excel
Short Answer:
A string of hash marks (####) typically appears when the cell isn’t wide enough to display its contents (often dates or large numbers).
How to Fix It:
- Widen the column (hover between column letters and double-click or drag).
- Ensure the cell doesn’t have invalid or negative date values.
The Exclamation Mark ! in Excel Formulas
Working with multiple worksheets or even external workbooks is common in Excel, and the exclamation mark (!) plays a key role in these scenarios. This section details how to use this symbol to separate sheet names from cell references, ensuring that your Excel formulas target the correct data.
Common Queries Answered
- What does ! mean in Excel formula?
- What does ! do in Excel?
- What is ! in Excel formula?
- Exclamation mark in Excel formula means?
Short Answer:
In Excel, ! separates a sheet name (or workbook name) from the cell reference in a formula.
Examples:
=Sheet2!A1
references cell A1 on “Sheet2.”
='Annual Report.xlsx'!B2
references cell B2 from an external workbook “Annual Report.xlsx” (though typically the full path appears).
Using <> in Excel: The Not-Equal Operator
Conditional logic in Excel is powerful, and the not-equal operator (<>) is essential for creating dynamic formulas. This section explains how to incorporate this operator into your Excel formulas to compare values and drive decision-making processes.
Common Queries Answered
- What does <> mean in Excel?
- <> in Excel formula meaning?
- What does <> mean in Excel?
- What does <> do in Excel?
Short Answer:
<> means “not equal to.”
Example:
=IF(A1<>B1, "Not Equal", "Equal")
This checks whether A1’s value is not equal to B1’s. If so, returns “Not Equal”; otherwise, “Equal.”
The Caret ^: Exponentiation in Excel
For users needing to perform power calculations, the caret (^) is the operator that handles exponentiation in Excel. In this section, you’ll learn how to use the caret to raise numbers to a given power, making complex calculations more straightforward.
Common Queries Answered
- What does ^ mean in Excel formula?
- ^ in Excel meaning
- Which symbol is used to build a formula with an exponent?
Short Answer:
The caret (^) tells Excel to raise a number to a power.
Example:
=2^3
This equals 8 (2×2×2). You’ll see queries like ^ symbol meaning in Excel formula or ^ in Excel formula means? referencing exponentiation.
The Ampersand &: Concatenation in Excel
Combining text and numbers in Excel is a breeze with the ampersand (&). This section provides an overview of how to use this concatenation operator to join data seamlessly, which is especially useful when creating dynamic text strings in your Excel spreadsheets.
Common Queries Answered
- What does
&mean in Excel formula? - What does
&do in Excel? - And symbol in Excel
- excel or symbol vs. and symbol?
Short Answer:
The ampersand (&) joins (concatenates) text or numbers together into one string.
Examples:
="Hello "&"World"
→ becomes “Hello World”
=A1 & " " & B1
→ Combines cell A1 and B1 with a space
The At Symbol @ in Excel Formulas
The at symbol (@) has become increasingly important in modern Excel, especially when working with structured table references and implicit intersection. This section explains how the @ symbol works to reference data within the same row and improve the clarity of your Excel formulas.
Common Queries Answered
- What does @ mean in Excel?
- @ symbol in Excel formula
- excel formula @ meaning
- excel [@]
- What does the @ symbol represent in a structured reference to an Excel table?
Short Answer:
The @ symbol appears in structured table references to indicate the current row context. In modern Excel (especially Microsoft 365), @ can also handle implicit intersection—returning a single value when an array might exist.
What Does the Apostrophe ‘ Mean in Excel Cells/Formulas?
A simple yet crucial element of Excel syntax, the apostrophe (‘) ensures that your data is treated as text rather than a formula or numeric value. In this section, discover why leading apostrophes are used and how they can help prevent common data entry errors in your Excel spreadsheets.
Common Queries Answered
- What does ‘ mean in Excel cell?
- Why does a cell start with a single quote?
- What does ” mean in Excel formula?
Short Answer:
A leading apostrophe (‘) in a cell tells Excel to treat the cell’s contents as text—even if it’s a number, formula, or date. This is commonly used when you don’t want Excel to automatically interpret your entry as a formula or numeric value.
Examples:
- Typing ‘=0123 forces Excel to keep 0123 as text (preserving the leading zero).
- Typing ‘=SUM(A1:A10) displays the formula as text rather than executing it.
The # Family in Excel: Errors and More
Excel error messages can be intimidating, but understanding the # symbol and its associated error codes is key to troubleshooting your spreadsheets. This section breaks down the common error types and explains what each one means, so you can quickly resolve issues in your Excel formulas.
Common Queries Answered
- What does # mean in Excel formula?
- #NAME?, #REF!, #VALUE!, #DIV/0!, #NUM!, #NULL!
- What does # do in Excel?
- Which symbol is used to indicate that a formula may contain an error?
- ####### in Excel cell means…?
- What does #spill mean in Excel?
Short Answer:
The pound/hash sign (#) can indicate:
Error Types:
- #NAME? → Unrecognized range or function name
- #REF! → Invalid cell reference
- #DIV/0! → Division by zero
- #VALUE! → Wrong value type in formula
- #NUM! → Invalid numeric value (e.g., impossible calculation)
- #NULL! → Improper range operator usage
- #SPILL! → Overflow from a dynamic array that can’t spill into adjacent cells
Display Overflow:
A series of ######## can also appear if the column is too narrow (similarly to ####).
OR Symbol, AND Symbol, and Other Logical Operators
Logical functions are integral to creating dynamic and responsive Excel spreadsheets. While Excel uses functions like OR() and AND() rather than single-character symbols, knowing how to apply these logical operators can significantly improve your formula efficiency. This section offers a detailed look at how to incorporate logical tests in your Excel formulas.
Common Queries Answered
- or symbol in Excel
- and symbol in Excel formula
- what does & do in Excel vs. AND function?
- Which symbol is used to represent multiplication or logic?
Short Answer:
Excel has built-in logical functions like OR() and AND() rather than single-character “symbols” for these operations. Some languages use || for OR, but Excel’s approach is a function call.
Examples:
=OR(A1>10, B1<5)
returns TRUE if either condition is true.
=AND(A1>0, B1>0)
returns TRUE only if both conditions are met.
Tip: The ampersand (&) is not the logical AND—it’s for concatenation. For logical AND, use the AND() function.
Essential Math Operators in Excel: +, -, *, /, ^
Excel’s calculation power comes from its robust set of arithmetic operators. This section covers the core math symbols you need to perform everything from simple addition to more complex operations, making your Excel spreadsheets both accurate and efficient.
Common Queries Answered
- =+ or – symbol in Excel?
- What symbol is used to represent multiplication in Excel?
- Which symbol is used for division in Excel?
- Symbols that specify calculations to be performed?
Operators:
- + (Addition)
- – (Subtraction or Negation)
- * (Multiplication)
- / (Division)
- ^ (Exponent)
Excel does not use × for multiplication or ÷ for division. Instead, it uses the asterisk (*) and the forward slash (/).
Range Operator : and Its Significance
The colon (:) is a simple yet vital part of Excel formulas, used to denote a range of cells. In this section, we explain how the range operator works and why it’s indispensable for tasks like summing values or creating dynamic formulas in Excel.
Common Queries Answered
- What does : mean in Excel?
- What does : do in Excel formula?
- : meaning in Excel?
- A range of cells uses this symbol?
Short Answer:
The colon (:) denotes a range of cells in Excel formulas.
Example:
=SUM(A1:A10)
This sums all cells from A1 through A10. You’ll see queries like “which punctuation is used to separate cell references in a range?” That’s the colon.
Double Quotes “”: Text Strings in Formulas
Double quotes are key to handling text within Excel formulas. In this section, we discuss the role of double quotes in defining text strings, ensuring that your Excel formulas correctly interpret and display the data you intend to work with.
Common Queries Answered
- What does “” mean in Excel?
- Double quotes in Excel formula?
- What does ‘ ‘ mean in Excel? (Confusion with apostrophes)
Short Answer:
In Excel, double quotes enclose text strings.
Examples:
="Hello World"
results in the text Hello World.
=IF(A1="", "Empty", "Not Empty")
checks if A1 is an empty string.
Parentheses () in Excel Formulas
Grouping and order of operations are critical for complex calculations, and parentheses are the tool Excel provides to help you manage them. This section highlights the importance of using parentheses to structure your formulas logically and avoid calculation errors in your Excel spreadsheet.
Common Queries Answered
- What is () in Excel?
- Parentheses in Excel?
- Which symbol is used to group parts of a formula?
Short Answer:
Parentheses have two main uses:
- Function Arguments: e.g.,
=SUM(A1:A10)
- Order of Operations: e.g.,
=(A1+B1)*C1
Almost every function in Excel is written as
=FUNCTION_NAME(...)
Curly Braces {}: Array Formulas (Legacy & Modern)
Array formulas can significantly boost your data analysis in Excel, and curly braces ({}) are used to indicate these formulas. In this section, we explore both legacy and modern array formulas, helping you understand when and how to use them for complex calculations.
Common Queries Answered
- What do {} mean in Excel?
- Array formulas with curly braces?
- What does { do in Excel?
Short Answer:
Historically, curly braces ({}) around a formula indicated an array formula entered via Ctrl+Shift+Enter. In modern Excel (Microsoft 365), dynamic arrays often don’t require manual curly braces—they appear automatically when you confirm an array formula.
Example (Legacy Array Formula):
{=SUM(A1:A10*B1:B10)}
You’d press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to confirm.
Symbols for Averages, Sums, and Common Functions
Excel’s built-in functions make calculating averages, sums, and other statistics straightforward. This section provides clear examples of how to use these functions along with the correct symbols, making it easier for you to perform everyday calculations in your Excel spreadsheets.
Common Queries Answered
- Mean symbol in Excel?
- Average symbol in Excel?
- What is formula for mean in Excel?
- Symbol for average in Excel?
Short Answer:
Excel uses functions for calculations like average, sum, min, max, etc.
- Mean (Average):
=AVERAGE(A1:A10)
- Sum:
=SUM(A1:A10)
There isn’t a single “mean symbol” like in mathematics, so you use the function name.
Additional Special Characters & Tips (=+, Comments, Backslash)
Excel includes a variety of special characters and usage tips that can enhance your formula writing and overall spreadsheet management. In this section, we discuss some of these lesser-known characters and techniques that can help you improve your Excel skills and troubleshoot common issues.
=+ Usage
- What does =+ mean in Excel?
Originally from older spreadsheet programs,=+A1+B1
is still valid. Excel essentially ignores the + if it appears right after =.
Commenting in Formulas
Excel doesn’t officially support “inline comments” in formulas. Some users repurpose unused functions (like N()) to insert text:
=SUM(A1:A10) + N("This part sums the range")
The N() function returns 0 for text, so it doesn’t affect results.
The Backslash
Rarely used in formulas unless referencing external paths, for example:
='C:\Folder\[Workbook.xlsx]Sheet1'!A1
This references an external file.
Excel Symbols – Download the Cheat Sheet
This cheat sheet provides a concise overview of the essential symbols used in Excel formulas. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned Excel user, this reference guide covers everything from basic arithmetic operators to advanced cell reference and logical operators. Keep this handy PDF as your go-to resource for error-free and efficient spreadsheet work!
Click the button below to download your free PDF copy of the “Symbols Used in Excel Formulas” cheat sheet.
Comprehensive FAQs
For Excel users who have questions ranging from basic formula syntax to advanced error troubleshooting, this FAQ section is an indispensable resource. Covering most common queries about symbols in Excel, this part of the guide answers your most pressing questions about Excel symbols, formulas, and best practices.
Which symbol is used to start a formula in Excel?
Answer: The equals sign (=) is the required starting symbol for every formula.
What does $ mean in Excel or in an Excel formula?
Answer: The $ sign is used for absolute referencing—locking rows and/or columns so that the reference doesn’t change when a formula is copied.
What does #### mean in Excel?
Answer: #### usually indicates that the cell is too narrow to display its content or there is an invalid date/number.
What does ! mean in Excel formula?
Answer: The exclamation mark (!) separates a worksheet or workbook name from a cell reference.
How do I write not equal to in Excel?
Answer: Use the operator <> to represent “not equal to.”
What does ^ do in Excel?
Answer: The caret (^) is used as the exponentiation operator, e.g.,
=2^3
equals 8.
What does & mean in Excel?
Answer: The ampersand (&) is used to concatenate (join) text or values.
What does @ mean in Excel?
Answer: The @ symbol is used in structured references to indicate the current row, and it also supports implicit intersection in modern Excel.
Why am I seeing #NAME?, #REF!, or #VALUE!?
Answer: These error codes indicate issues such as unrecognized functions or cell references, division by zero, or improper range operators.
Which symbol is used for multiplication?
Answer: Excel uses the asterisk (*) for multiplication.
Which symbol is used for division?
Answer: Excel uses the forward slash (/) for division.
Which symbol indicates an array formula?
Answer: Curly braces ({}) are used to denote an array formula in legacy Excel, though modern Excel may display them automatically.
What does — (double unary) mean in Excel?
Answer: The double unary operator (–) is used to convert Boolean TRUE/FALSE values into 1s and 0s, often in array formulas.
What does the colon (:) do in Excel formulas?
Answer: The colon defines a range of cells, e.g.,
=SUM(A1:A10)
sums cells from A1 through A10.
What do double quotes (“”) mean in Excel?
Answer: Double quotes enclose text strings; an empty pair (“”) represents an empty string.
Why do we use =+ in Excel?
Answer: The =+ notation is an old habit from earlier spreadsheet programs; Excel simply ignores the + following the =.
What does =A1*B1 do in Excel?
Answer: It multiplies the value in cell A1 by the value in cell B1.
What does _xls stand for?
Answer: _xls is the older file extension for Excel files (e.g., .xls).
What does ‘ do if typed before something?
Answer: A leading apostrophe (‘) forces Excel to treat the entry as text, which is useful for preserving formats like leading zeros.
Conclusion
Mastering Excel symbols and formula syntax is essential for creating efficient, error-free spreadsheets. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve covered everything from the basic equals sign to advanced array formulas. Whether you’re troubleshooting an error or seeking expert Excel tips, this guide is your ultimate resource for Excel formulas, Excel functions, and data analysis. Keep it handy for quick reference and continue exploring Excel’s powerful features to improve your spreadsheet skills.
Key Takeaways:
- All formulas start with =.
- The $ sign locks references (absolute vs. relative).
- #### usually means “cell too narrow.”
- ! references another worksheet or workbook.
- <> is “not equal to.”
- ^ is for exponents, & is for text concatenation.
- @ is for structured references (current row).
- # can indicate display issues or error codes.
- Logical functions like OR and AND are spelled out (not single-character symbols).
- Standard math operators: + (add), – (subtract), * (multiply), / (divide), and ^ (power).
what is the symbol of average in excel?
You can use AVERAGE()Function to calculate Average in Excel. If you wants to show the Average Statistical Symbol (x-bar), You can insert from symbols. F7C2 is the Unicode Hexa character for X-bar symbol. Make sure that you have set the Symbol Font :MS Reference Sans Serif.
I have a workbook, where the original author used an @ sign in front of a function call in a formula. I can find no reference as to what the @ does, or how it is used. Any one know??
VBA Example: ActiveSheet.Range(“L2”).Formula = “=@CATEGORY($E2,LFC_AreaLU)”
Note: Category is a User Defined Function in the workbook.
@ is an Implicit Intersection Operator:
Implicit intersection operator: @
I have this formula, do you know what the al means in the formula ?
IF(E4=””,””,VLOOKUP(C4,al,5,0)*E4), can
It could be a defined Name or a name of the Table (List Object)
The double quotes in the formula you provided are used to represent an empty string
What does a white cross symbol mean?
When you hover on any Cell, Excel shows White Cross Symbol to indicate that you can select the specific Cell/Cells.
£
=AND($16>0,K$4 = $E6 – WEEKDAY($E6, 2)+1)
I used this formula and it was invalid.
When I use the $16 in any formula it gets rejected?
any thoughts?
You can not use $16, you should refer any range with Column Names and Row Numbers, like: $A16, $B$5 and $I6. Here $ symbol used for absolute reference of any range.