2. Google Sheets Formulas

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Formulas

Google Sheets has built in tools to be able to do many things in sheets called formulas. There is a full list of formulas by google sheets. We're going to start off with some of the basics then later on go more in depth.

Using a formula

To start using a formula first select the cell you want to use

Type an equals sign = to start using a formula in the cell you want to use

Start to type the formula you wish to use and select it from the drop down menu

You can type a number or use a cell reference

you can either type the reference (For example A2) or click the cell you are wanting to reference

Finally press enter

Formulas

Simple mathematical functions

You can do simple calculations using formulas. Start all formulas by typing =

Addition +

Subtraction -

Multiplication *

Division /

Exponent ^

Parentheses ()

So for example if we can use the sheet to calculate the gravitational force between two objects

Video \(\PageIndex{1}\): 1:40 Video example of how to do basic calculations in sheets ()

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Calculating the gravitational force of two objects. Formula used : =D2*((A2*B2)/C2^2) (Poirot)

Logarithms

Logarithms are used in many different calculations. There is an overview on logarithms in Chapter ? that explains how logs work. In this section we are going to focus on how to use them in sheets.

LOG10

Returns the the logarithm of a number, base 10. =LOG10(value)

This is probably what you will use most often when talking about logarithms. This function will give the logarithm of a number using base 10.

LOG

Returns the the logarithm of a number given a base. =LOG(value, [base])

This is used less often but can be used to return a logarithm using any other base. This function will assume base 10 unless told otherwise

Returns the the logarithm of a number, base e (Euler's number). =LN(value)

This function gives the natural log of a number. You can also do the natural log using LOG by entering the base as "EXP(1)"

Making formula log and ln and 1/T

Video \(\PageIndex{2}\): 2:11 Video tutorial on log, ln and 1/T. (https://youtu.be/q-gALwjPj9I)

Robert E. Belford (University of Arkansas Little Rock; Department of Chemistry). The breadth, depth and veracity of this work is the responsibility of Robert E. Belford, rebelford@ualr.edu. You should contact him if you have any concerns. This material has both original contributions, and content built upon prior contributions of the LibreTexts Community and other resources, including but not limited to:

Liliane Poirot