Question

Write down the differences between a formula and a function.

Answer 1

Basis	Formula	Function
Meaning	It is a user-defined mathematical expression or equation written to perform custom calculations.	It is a built-in, pre-defined formula that is already programmed into the spreadsheet software.
Creation & Design	Created entirely by the user based on their specific accounting calculation needs.	Designed and built by the software developers; users can only use them as they are.
Structure & Layout	Uses basic cell addresses combined with standard operators (like =A1 + B1 + C1 + D1).	Uses a specific function name followed by arguments or a cell range inside brackets (like = SUM (A1:D1).
Complexity & Length	Can become very long, messy, and hard to read when dealing with massive data ranges.	Keeps complex and large-scale calculations clean, short, and easy to read.
Mathematical Operators	Relies directly on symbols like +, -, *, and / to connect different cells.	Does not require operational symbols; it uses commas, or colons : to define cell data.
Examples	= B2 * C2 = (A1 + B1)/2	= SUM (B2 : B20) = AVERAGE (A1 : A10)