Definition:
A mathematical operator is the symbol or sign that represents an arithmetic operation in an Excel spreadsheet formula.
The mathematical operators used in Excel formulas are similar to the ones we use in math class.
- 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 ( * ) .
