Excel: A Question of Balance Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Calculate the Balance

Let's visualize how the equation works. In real words, the balance is whatever you had in the bank, minus any checks you wrote, plus any deposits.

4. Enter the Equation

Select Cell F3 and type in =. The equals sign is on the top of the keyboard to the right of the row of numbers. All equations begin with “=.”

Our calculation is =F2-D3+E3.

 

When you hit the Enter or Tab key on your keyboard, Excel will add it all up. Did you get $421.50?

 

Try it again on Cell F4.

The equation would be: =F3-D4+E4.

The answer should be $240.52.

Select cell F4

Copy and Paste the formula down to Row 10

Did you notice that the formula changed? Cell F5 now says =F4-D5+E5. This is an example of Relative references.