Excel Beginners

Intro To Formulas: Step 3 To Mastering Spreadsheets

Some things never change

The Four Components Of A Formula - Constants

Overview

Simply put, they are the values you input which cannot be changed within a formula. They are not subject to changes the same way a reference is. If you type the number 3 into a formula, you will need to go back in and edit the formula should you want to change that number to a 2. While many formulas constants are common, there are many times where it can be more favourable to use a reference to another cell instead.

Using Constants

Constants can be placed anywhere within a formula, this includes inside of functions. They can be any value or string which is written in a formula and can only be changed by entered the cell again to make modifications. This can be a text value like ‘hello’ a numerical value like the number 5, or a Boolean value such as TRUE or FALSE.

Sometimes it is not only easier but more reliable to use a constant in a formula than it would be to use a reference. It is important as a user to determine which method is more likely to benefit the intended use of the formula, and any other end users who may use the formula.

Constants can also be used as a way to validate that other formulas or functions are performing their operations as you intend them to. By duplicating a formula and replacing the functions or references with constants, you can ensure that the result being returned is in fact what you had anticipated.