Excels math and trigonometry functions are essential tools used in calculations for finance, engineering, statistics, and data analysis. These built-in functions make it easy to carry out everything from simple arithmetic to complex trigonometric operations. Excel helps you sum expenses, convert radians to degrees, and calculate the sine of an angle. These operations are supported by a wide range of math and trig formulas. In this guide, you’ll explore key formulas like the sum formula in Excel. You will also learn about the mod formula in Excel and trigonometric formulas in Excel. Each formula comes with real-world use cases and syntax breakdowns.
Key Math Functions in Excel
SUM
Use the sum formula in Excel when you need to quickly total values across cells.
Syntax: =SUM(number1, [number2], …)
Description: Adds two or more numbers or cell ranges.
Example: =SUM(B2:B6) totals values from cells B2 through B6 — useful for monthly budget calculations.
PRODUCT
The product formula in Excel is perfect for multiplying multiple values together.
Syntax: =PRODUCT(number1, [number2], …)
Description: Multiplies all numbers given as arguments.
Example: =PRODUCT(B2:B4) calculates the total value of units × cost per unit.
ABS
You can apply the abs formula in Excel to get the positive equivalent of any number.
Syntax: =ABS(number)
Description: Returns the absolute (non-negative) value of a number.
Example: =ABS(-50) returns 50 — useful in financial analysis to remove sign bias.
INT
Use the Int Formula in Excel when you want to round a number down to the nearest whole number.
Syntax: =INT(number)
Description: Rounds a number down to the nearest integer.
Example: =INT(4.9) returns 4 — ideal when working with item counts or whole numbers.
MOD
The mod formula in Excel helps you find the remainder after division—great for logic-based tasks.
Syntax: =MOD(number, divisor)
Description: Returns the remainder after dividing one number by another.
Example: =MOD(10, 3) returns 1—handy for periodic scheduling or grouping data.
Trigonometric Functions in Excel
There is also support for several trigonometric formulas in Excel, which can be used for engineering, physics, and geometry calculations.
SIN
To calculate the sine of an angle in radians, use the SIN formula in Excel.
Syntax: =SIN(number)
Description: Returns the sine of an angle (in radians).
Example: =SIN(PI()/2) returns 1—sine of 90°.
COS
The COS formula in Excel helps find the cosine of any angle provided in radians.
Syntax: =COS(number)
Description: Returns the cosine of a given angle.
Example: =COS(0) returns 1—cosine of 0°.
TAN
Use the TAN formula in Excel to return the tangent of an angle.
Syntax: =TAN(number)
Description: Returns the tangent of an angle (in radians).
Example: =TAN(PI()/4) returns 1—tangent of 45°.
DEGREES
The DEGREES formula in Excel converts angle measurements from radians into degrees.
Syntax: =DEGREES(radian)
Description: Converts radians to degrees.
Example: =DEGREES(PI()) returns 180.
RADIANS
Use the RADIANS formula in Excel to convert degrees into radians for trigonometric calculations.
Syntax: =RADIANS(degree)
Description: Converts degrees to radians.
Example: =RADIANS(90) returns 1.5708.
PI
The PI formula in Excel gives you access to the mathematical constant π.
Syntax: =PI()
Description: Returns the value of π (pi).
Example: Use with trigonometric functions like =SIN(PI()/6).
How to Use Formulas in Excel
To use formulas in Excel:
- Select a cell where you want the result.
- Type = followed by the formula name (e.g., =SUM(A1:A5)).
- Press Enter to calculate.
Visual tips:
- Formulas auto-suggest when typing.
- Use the Formula Bar to edit or view long formulas.
Understanding the excel math functions list and how to use formulas in Excel is essential. It boosts your ability to build dashboards, models, and reports. This is a key skill if you’re trying to learn Excel online free or move into advanced Excel.
Full List of Excel Math & Trig Functions
Here’s a comprehensive list of Excels math and trigonometry functions. It includes rounding, powers, logarithms, trigonometry, and more. These functions are useful for analysts, engineers, and finance professionals.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| ABS | Returns the absolute value of a number |
| ACOS | Returns the arccosine (inverse cosine) of a number |
| ACOSH | Returns the inverse hyperbolic cosine of a number |
| ASIN | Returns the arcsine (inverse sine) of a number |
| ASINH | Returns the inverse hyperbolic sine of a number |
| ATAN | Returns the arctangent (inverse tangent) of a number |
| ATAN2 | Returns the arctangent from x and y coordinates |
| ATANH | Returns the inverse hyperbolic tangent of a number |
| CEILING | Rounds a number up to the nearest multiple of significance |
| CEILING.MATH | Rounds a number up to the nearest integer or multiple of significance |
| CEILING.PRECISE | Rounds a number up to the nearest multiple of significance, regardless of sign |
| COMBIN | Returns the number of combinations for a given number of items |
| COMBINA | Returns the number of combinations with repetitions allowed |
| COS | Returns the cosine of a number |
| COSH | Returns the hyperbolic cosine of a number |
| COT | Returns the cotangent of an angle |
| COTH | Returns the hyperbolic cotangent of a number |
| CSC | Returns the cosecant of an angle |
| CSCH | Returns the hyperbolic cosecant of a number |
| DECIMAL | Converts a text representation of a number in a given base to a decimal number |
| DEGREES | Converts radians to degrees |
| EVEN | Rounds a number up to the nearest even integer |
| EXP | Returns Euler’s number (e) raised to a power |
| FACT | Returns the factorial of a number |
| FACTDOUBLE | Returns the double factorial of a number |
| FLOOR | Rounds a number down toward zero to the nearest multiple of significance |
| FLOOR.MATH | Rounds a number down to the nearest integer or multiple of significance |
| FLOOR.PRECISE | Rounds a number down, regardless of sign |
| GCD | Returns the greatest common divisor |
| INT | Rounds a number down to the nearest integer |
| ISO.CEILING | Rounds a number up to the nearest multiple of significance (ISO compliant) |
| LCM | Returns the least common multiple |
| LN | Returns the natural logarithm of a number |
| LOG | Returns the logarithm of a number to a specified base |
| LOG10 | Returns the base-10 logarithm of a number |
| MDETERM | Returns the matrix determinant of an array |
| MINVERSE | Returns the matrix inverse of an array |
| MMULT | Returns the matrix product of two arrays |
| MOD | Returns the remainder from division |
| MROUND | Rounds a number to the nearest multiple of a specified value |
| MULTINOMIAL | Returns the multinomial of a set of numbers |
| ODD | Rounds a number up to the nearest odd integer |
| PI | Returns the value of pi (π) |
| POWER | Returns the result of a number raised to a power |
| PRODUCT | Multiplies all the numbers given as arguments |
| QUOTIENT | Returns the integer portion of a division |
| RADIANS | Converts degrees to radians |
| RAND | Returns a random number between 0 and 1 |
| RANDBETWEEN | Returns a random integer between two specified numbers |
| ROMAN | Converts a number to Roman numeral format |
| ROUND | Rounds a number to a specified number of digits |
| ROUNDDOWN | Rounds a number down, toward zero |
| ROUNDUP | Rounds a number up, away from zero |
| SEC | Returns the secant of an angle |
| SECH | Returns the hyperbolic secant of a number |
| SIGN | Returns the sign of a number (+1, 0, -1) |
| SIN | Returns the sine of a number |
| SINH | Returns the hyperbolic sine of a number |
| SQRT | Returns the square root of a number |
| SQRTPI | Returns the square root of (number × pi) |
| SUBTOTAL | Returns a subtotal in a list or database |
| SUM | Adds all the numbers in a range of cells |
| SUMIF | Adds values that meet a single condition |
| SUMIFS | Adds values that meet multiple criteria |
| SUMPRODUCT | Returns the sum of the products of corresponding ranges or arrays |
| SUMSQ | Returns the sum of the squares of arguments |
| SUMX2MY2 | Returns the sum of the difference of squares of corresponding values |
| SUMX2PY2 | Returns the sum of the sum of squares of corresponding values |
| SUMXMY2 | Returns the sum of squares of differences of corresponding values |
| TAN | Returns the tangent of a number |
| TANH | Returns the hyperbolic tangent of a number |
| TRUNC | Truncates a number to an integer by removing the fractional part |
Use this section to quickly scan and pick the right function for your needs.
FAQs
What is the sum formula in Excel?
It’s =SUM(). You can use it to add numbers or cells. Example: =SUM(A1:A5) totals five cells.
How do I calculate trigonometric values in Excel?
Use formulas like =SIN(), =COS(), and =TAN() with angles in radians. Convert degrees with =RADIANS().
What does the MOD formula do in Excel?
The =MOD(number, divisor) formula returns the remainder of a division. It’s useful in cycle-based logic.
Can I use math formulas in Excel for financial models?
Yes! Formulas like =INT(), =SUM(), =ABS() are widely used in budgeting, forecasting, and analysis models.
What’s the difference between INT and TRUNC in Excel?
=INT() rounds down to the nearest integer, while =TRUNC() simply removes decimals. The difference appears in handling negatives.
Summary
Mastering math and trigonometry functions in Excel equips you with skills for data-driven decision-making in finance, science, and operations. These functions are foundational to any advanced Excel user. Whether you’re learning to sum in Excel or applying complex trig functions, Excel makes it seamless.
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