Excel Formula Reference

About this tool

A searchable reference of common spreadsheet formulas (Excel and Google Sheets) with plain-English explanations and syntax.

Privacy

This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your data is processed locally and never uploaded to a server.

How to use this tool

1. Type a formula name like SUM, XLOOKUP, or COUNTIF into the search box.
2. Open the matching result to read what the formula does in plain English.
3. Check the syntax line to see the required arguments and their order.
4. Use the example to copy the pattern into your own spreadsheet.

Step by step, what happens

1. You search the reference by formula name or keyword, and the tool filters to matching spreadsheet functions.
2. You select a result to view a short description, the syntax, and a simple example.
3. The reference helps you compare Excel and Google Sheets behavior when the function exists in both.
4. You use the explanation to confirm which cells, ranges, or criteria the formula expects before you enter it in a sheet.

Worked example

If you want to quickly understand a formula before using it in a sheet, you can look it up here.

Input: COUNTIF

1. Enter COUNTIF in the search field to find the function entry.
2. Read the plain-English summary to see that it counts cells matching a condition.
3. Check the syntax and example so you can use the right range and criteria in Excel or Google Sheets.

Tips and common mistakes

• Search by the exact function name first, because the reference is organized around formula names.
• Read the syntax carefully, since many spreadsheet errors come from putting arguments in the wrong order.
• Use the example to see whether the function expects a single cell, a range, or a text condition.
• If you work in both Excel and Google Sheets, compare the notes before copying a formula across.

Frequently asked questions