A spreadsheet is a great tool for adding the total of a series of items.

This article explains how to make a basic spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, using a simple expense report as an example.

Edit Steps 1. 1
Open Excel.

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Notice there are rows and columns.

Each column has a capital letter on the top to show what column it is.

Each row has a number to the immediate left of the first column, to show what row it is. For example, the address of the cell in the first column, first row is A1. The address of the cell in the second column, third row is B3.

Each cell is identified by a unique address consisting of the column letter followed by the row number. For example, the address of the cell in the first column, first row is A1. The address of the cell in the second column, third row is B3.

If you click a cell, the cell address appears just above column A.

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Click cell A1 and type: Item.

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Click cell B1 and type: Cost.

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Click cell A2 and type: Printing.

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Click in cell B2 and type 80.00.

After you click outside of cell B2, 80 will show in cell B2.

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Click cell A3 and type: Postage.

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Click cell B3 and type: 75.55.

After you click outside of cell B3, 75.55 will show in cell B3.

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Click cell A4 and type: Envelopes.

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Click cell B4 and type: 6.00.

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After you click outside of the cell B4, 6 will show in cell B4.

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Click cell A5 and type: Total.

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Click cell B5 and type: =SUM(B2:B4).

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Click in another cell. A total of 161.55 will show in cell B5.

SUM(B2:B4) is a formula. Formulas are used to perform math functions in Excel. It is essential to put equals sign (=) just before a formula, so that Excel knows that it is a formula.

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Click Save.

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