Math operators in Google Sheets
Google Sheets uses the same arithmetic operators as a calculator: + add, - subtract, * multiply, / divide and ^ for powers. Sheets follows the usual order of operations: parentheses first, then powers, then multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction.
Percentages are just numbers: 8% is the same as 0.08, so adding 8% tax to a total is =D2*1.08 or =D2*(1+8%).
Syntax
=(B2+C2)*2
Example
=B2*C2*(1+8%)
Price times quantity, plus 8% tax.
Common mistakes
- Using
x instead of * to multiply. - Missing parentheses:
=B2+C2*2 doubles only C2. - Writing
8 when you mean 8%.
← Your first formula · Fill down & relative references → · All lessons