Formulas » Jee/difference Between/a And A Function Formula

Formula and Function

Formulas are defined as a statement written by any user, either simple or complex whereas a function is a type of formula which is pre-defined. On the other hand, functions are predefined formulas that are already there in the sheet.

While calculating something we often interchange the words, formula, and function. This is a very common mistake as the two are not technically the same. Formulas consist of values, defined names and in some cases pre-existed functions. The formula is a type of expression in an excel sheet that can calculate the value of a cell. A formula or a mathematical expression can exist with or without a function also. However, we cannot comment on the similarities or the interdependence of these two. A formula can be written as =1+2. The same calculation as a function is =sum (1, 2). Looking at this example, we can figure out the fact that a formula is much more flexible than a function in a field. Some examples of the functions used very often are, IF, AVERAGE, SUM, COUNT, etc.

Major differences between a formula and a function

Any type of calculation is a formula in excel whereas function is designed beforehand. A function is often used in the formula that’s needed.

  1. One of the main differences between the two is, one can use any type of operation with a formula according to his/her need to calculate or get a value of something. A function is not something that can be customized. It’s a pre-existent operation.
  2. Formulas can be used to work within a range of cells or just within a cell in complex calculative measurements. On the other hand, functions are used in case of quick arrangements needed such as to find the minimum or the maximum, the highest or the lowest, an average of something, etc.
  3. To modify things, a function can be modified as per the developer’s requirement but the formula cannot be updated like this. One can use formula only in times of need.
  4. A function can be used as a formula but formula cannot be used as a function.
  5. The user can use a formula to do simple calculations manually but in the case of using a function, it’s not so easy to work out complex calculations using a function.
  6. In excel there is no structure or syntax of formula but functions do have a syntax.
  7. Every function has its own pre-designed parameters basis through which a function executes results. A formula can never have pre-defined parameters.

In complex situations of calculating something, we can combine formulas and a function to get results. These are often used in the times of calculating mortgage paybacks, mathematical problems, solving engineering calculations, etc. The easiest way to include functions in the worksheets is a formula palette. All functions have a dependent variable but we can’t say the same about functions.

Also See:

Conclusion

Functions and formulas both are very useful tools while calculating in our daily life or even in office-related calculations. So learning their use properly has become a necessity. They have different operations to perform so there’s always some difference between them. It doesn’t have to be formula versus function always; we can easily combine them to create a more powerful tool to analyse. A combination like this is very useful in complex calculations like calculating major tax payments, mathematical problems, and also in creating financial models. Even though we have the drawbacks of using a machine, using technology makes life much easier in many ways.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the JEE Examination Preparation.

What is the formula?

Answer. Formula is a user-defined statement used for calculation. It can contain one or more functions depending on ...Read full

What is a function?

Answer. A function is a system-defined program used to calculate. 

Is function necessary to make formulas?

Answer. We need at least one function to build a formula. 

How many formulas are there in excel?

Answer. From simple mathematical needs to very complex statistical analysis, excel has over 475 formulas in its func...Read full

How can we insert formulas in excel?

Answer. After selecting an empty cell, we need to write the function in it. Then after selecting all the cells, we n...Read full

Is average a function or formula?

Answer. It’s a function we run to get the average of a group of numbers using the formula of the average. ...Read full

What are the difficulties of using a formula or a function?

Answer. As the programmer is not the one doing every step of a calculation, it’s very complicated to go through a ...Read full

What are the benefits of using formulas?

Answer. We can always copy and paste formulas in different cells as we want. Programmers don’t have to recreate th...Read full

What are the disadvantages of using formulas and functions during calculations?

Answer. It’s not possible that human behaviour will be cent percent errorless. Excel is prone to human error. It...Read full

Is it possible that a function and a formula behave the same?

Answer. No. A function is always pre-defined whereas a formula is not.