Excel Syntax
Microsoft Excel – Syntax
Beginner → Exam → Interview Ready Guide
Excel Syntax means the rules and structure used to write formulas and functions correctly in Excel.
If syntax is wrong, Excel shows an error.
📌 Just like programming languages have syntax, Excel formulas also follow fixed rules.
PART 1: Excel Formula Syntax Basics
1️⃣ What is Excel Syntax?
It defines:
✔ How formulas start
✔ How values are written
✔ How functions are used
✔ How ranges are selected
📌 Correct syntax = correct result
2️⃣ Basic Rule of Excel Syntax
✅ Every formula MUST start with =
❌ Wrong:
📌 Without =, Excel treats input as text
3️⃣ Excel Formula Structure
General Formula Syntax
Example
Where:
-
A1,B1→ operands (values or cell references) -
+→ operator
4️⃣ Cell Reference Syntax
Excel refers to cells using:
Examples:
📌 Used in almost all formulas
5️⃣ Range Syntax
A range means multiple cells.
Syntax
Example
📌 Colon : means from → to
PART 2: Operators Syntax in Excel
6️⃣ Arithmetic Operators
| Operator | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
+ |
Addition | =A1+B1 |
- |
Subtraction | =A1-B1 |
* |
Multiplication | =A1*B1 |
/ |
Division | =A1/B1 |
^ |
Power | =A1^2 |
7️⃣ Comparison Operators
Used in logical formulas:
| Operator | Meaning |
|---|---|
= |
Equal |
> |
Greater than |
< |
Less than |
>= |
Greater or equal |
<= |
Less or equal |
<> |
Not equal |
Example:
PART 3: Function Syntax
8️⃣ Excel Function Structure
General Function Syntax
📌 Arguments are separated by commas
9️⃣ Common Function Syntax Examples
SUM
AVERAGE
COUNT
MAX
MIN
1️⃣0️⃣ Formula Bar & Syntax Location
✔ All formulas are written in the Formula Bar
✔ It checks syntax while typing
✔ Errors appear immediately if syntax is wrong
PART 4: Important Syntax Rules
1️⃣1️⃣ Parentheses Syntax
Parentheses control calculation order.
📌 Without parentheses:
(Excel follows BODMAS/PEMDAS)
1️⃣2️⃣ Text Syntax
Text values must be written inside double quotes " ".
Example:
1️⃣3️⃣ Absolute & Relative Reference Syntax
▶ Relative Reference
▶ Absolute Reference
📌 $ locks row or column
PART 5: Common Syntax Errors ❌
1️⃣4️⃣ Common Excel Syntax Errors
| Error | Reason |
|---|---|
#NAME? |
Wrong function name |
#DIV/0! |
Division by zero |
#VALUE! |
Wrong data type |
#REF! |
Invalid cell reference |
📌 Most errors are due to syntax mistakes
📌 Interview Questions
Q1. What symbol starts every Excel formula?
👉 =
Q2. How are function arguments separated?
👉 By commas ,
Q3. How do you define a range?
👉 Using colon : (A1:A5)
Q4. How is text written in formulas?
👉 Inside double quotes " "
✅ Final Summary
✔ All formulas begin with =
✔ Functions follow a fixed structure
✔ Operators and cell ranges follow standard rules
✔ Correct structure prevents calculation errors
✔ Very important for exams & interviews
