EMAIL LESSON 6: Your First Simple Formulas (SUM & AVERAGE only)
Let Excel Do the Math - Your First Formulas!
Welcome to Week 1's final lesson! Today we unlock Excel's most powerful feature - automatic calculations. We'll start with just two simple formulas that every teacher needs.
Today's 15-Minute Lesson: SUM and AVERAGE
Remember adding up test scores with a calculator? Those days are over. Excel will do the math instantly and never make mistakes.
What You'll Learn Today (Only 2 Formulas):
SUM: Adds numbers automatically
AVERAGE: Calculates averages instantly
How to write formulas (they always start with =)
Why formulas are better than calculators
Formula Basics for Beginners:
All formulas start with = (like pressing equals on a calculator)
Use cell references (A1, B2) instead of typing actual numbers
Example: =SUM(A1:A5) adds all numbers from A1 to A5
Today's Practice: Add Test Scores to Your Class List (12 minutes)
Step 1: Add Test Score Columns (3 minutes)
Open your saved class list
Click on D1 and type: Test 1
Click on E1 and type: Test 2
Click on F1 and type: Average
Step 2: Enter Sample Test Scores (4 minutes) Add these scores (or make up your own):
Sipho: 78, 82
Sarah: 65, 70
Priya: 85, 88
James: 45, 52
Nomsa: 92, 89
Step 3: Your First Formula - AVERAGE (3 minutes)
Click on F2 (Sipho's average cell)
Type: =AVERAGE(D2:E2)
Press Enter
Excel shows 80 (the average of 78 and 82)!
Step 4: Copy the Formula Down (2 minutes)
Click on F2 (the cell with your formula)
Press Ctrl + C to copy
Select cells F3 to F6
Press Ctrl + V to paste
Watch Excel automatically calculate all averages!
Understanding What Happened:
D2:E2 means "from D2 to E2" (Sipho's two test scores)
When you copied down, Excel automatically changed to D3:E3, D4:E4, etc.
This is called "relative referencing" - Excel is smart!
Bonus: Add a Class Average (2 minutes)
Click on a cell below your data (like F8)
Type: =AVERAGE(F2:F6)
Press Enter
Excel calculates the average of all student averages!
The Two Essential Formulas:
SUM Formula:
=SUM(A1:A5) adds numbers in cells A1 through A5
Use for: Total marks, total attendance, adding up scores
AVERAGE Formula:
=AVERAGE(A1:A5) calculates average of A1 through A5
Use for: Student averages, class averages, typical performance
Why Formulas Beat Calculators:
Automatic updates: Change a test score, average updates instantly
No mistakes: Excel doesn't make arithmetic errors
Save time: Calculate 30 student averages in seconds
Professional: Shows you know modern tools
Common Beginner Questions:
Q: I typed =AVERAGE but got an error. What's wrong? A: Check your spelling and make sure you have parentheses: =AVERAGE(D2:E2)
Q: My formula shows the formula text, not a number. Help! A: You forgot the = at the beginning. Delete and retype with =
Q: I want to change a test score. Will the average update? A: Yes! That's the magic of formulas. Change any test score and watch the average change automatically.
Q: Can I see the formula in a cell? A: Click the cell and look in the formula bar at the top. You'll see the formula there.
Today's Success Check:
[ ] I understand that formulas start with =
[ ] I can write a simple AVERAGE formula
[ ] I can copy formulas to other cells
[ ] I see how formulas update automatically
[ ] I'm amazed at how easy this is!
What's Coming Tomorrow: Week 1 review and practice - putting everything together into one complete project.
[🧮 Practice More Formula Examples] ← Link to: https://yoursite.com/day6-formulas
Congratulations! You're now using Excel's true power.
Best regards, Your Excel Course Team