- Formula Basics
- Summarizing Data Quickly
- Elements of Formulas
- Entering Formulas
- Determining the Order of Operations
- Understanding Cell References
- Using Cell References
- Understanding Comparison Operators
- Using Comparison Operators
- Understanding Functions
- Using Functions
- Copying and Moving Formulas
- Handling Errors
Using Functions
A function can be one of several elements in a formula, or it can be the only element in a formula. When you build a formula, you don’t type the function names yourself—you use the function browser to insert them. The function browser lets you flick through Numbers’ entire library of functions. When you find the function you want, Numbers inserts it into your formula, including gray-oval argument placeholders. Placeholders for optional arguments are a lighter gray than those of required arguments.
To insert a function in a formula:
- In the formula bar, position the insertion point where you want the function to appear or, to replace an existing function, tap its name to select it.
- Tap the functions key on the keyboard and do one of the following:
- To access all Numbers’ functions, tap Categories, tap a category, and then tap a function . (To see every function, tap the All category.)
- To access a function that you’ve used recently, tap Recent and tap a function .
- To get help with a function, tap next to its name . After you finish reading, tap the back button in the top-left corner of the help window to return to the list of functions,
and then tap a function.
Numbers inserts the function and its arguments placeholders in the formula bar.
- In the formula bar, tap each argument placeholder and do one of the following and :
- To insert a cell reference, tap a cell or drag across a cell range.
- To insert a nested function, tap the functions key.
- To insert an arithmetic or comparison operator, tap an operator key on the formula keyboard. To switch between the operators, tap the &≤≠ or ()+÷ key.
- To insert a number, tap the number keys on the formula keyboard.
- To insert text, tap the “abc” key.
- To insert a date, time, or duration, tap the key.
- To insert a Boolean value, tap the true/false key.
- To omit an optional argument, leave its placeholder as is. Or, to delete the placeholder, tap the placeholder to select it, tap it again, and then tap Cut in the pop-up menu.