Definition:
A mathematical operator is the symbol or sign that represents an arithmetic operation in an Excel formula.
Some of the mathematical operators used in Excel formulas - such as the ones for addition and subtraction - are similar to the ones we use in math class.
The ones for multiplication, division, and for exponents are quite different.
- Subtraction - minus sign (-)
- Addition - plus sign ( + )
- Division - forward slash ( / )
- Multiplication - asterisk ( * )
- Exponentiation - caret ( ^ )
If more than one operator is used in a formula, there is a specific order of operations that Excel follows in deciding which mathematical operation occurs first.
Also Known As: arithmetic operators, operator
Examples:
The formula = 4 + 5 * 3 contains two mathematical operators - the plus sign ( + ) and the multiplication sign ( * ) .
