How to Divide in Excel With the QUOTIENT Function

The QUOTIENT Function's Syntax and Arguments

The syntax for the QUOTIENT function is:

=QUOTIENT ( Numerator , Denominator )

Numerator (required). This is the dividend. It is the number written before the forward slash ( / ) in a division operation. This argument can be an actual number or a cell reference to the location of data in a worksheet.

Denominator (required). This is the divisor. It is the number written after the forward slash in a division operation. This argument can be an actual number or a cell reference to the location of data in a worksheet.

Excel QUOTIENT Function Examples

In the image above, the examples show a number of different ways that the QUOTIENT function is used to divide two numbers compared to a division formula.

The results of the division formula in cell B4 shows both the quotient (2) and the remainder (0.4) while the QUOTIENT function in cells B5 and B6 returns only the whole number even though both examples are dividing the same two numbers.

Use Arrays as Arguments

Another option is to use an array for one or more of the function's arguments as shown in row 7 above.

The order followed by the function when using arrays is:

1. The function first divides the numbers in each array:
   1. 100/2 (answer of 50)
   2. 4/2 (answer of 2)
   3. Numerator: 50
   4. Denominator: 2
2. The function then uses the results of the first step for its arguments in a division operation (50/2) to get a final answer of 25.

QUOTIENT Function Errors

• #DIV/0! occurs if the denominator argument is equal to zero or references a blank cell (see row 9 in the example above).
• #VALUE! occurs if either argument is not a number (see row 8 in the example).

Use Excel's QUOTIENT Function

The steps show how to enter the QUOTIENT function and its arguments located in cell B6 of the image above.

Options for entering the function and its arguments include:

• Typing the complete function =QUOTIENT(A1,B1) into cell B6.
• Selecting the function and its arguments using the QUOTIENT function dialog box.

Although it is possible to just type the complete function in by hand, many people find it easier to use the dialog box to enter a function's arguments.

Enter the QUOTIENT Function

These steps cover entering the QUOTIENT function in cell B6 using the function's dialog box.

1. Select cell B6 to make it the active cell. This is the location where the formula results will be displayed.
2. Select Formulas.
3. Select Math & Trig to open the function drop-down list.
4. Choose QUOTIENT in the list to bring up the function's dialog box.
5. In the dialog box, select the Numerator line.
6. Select cell A1 in the worksheet to enter this cell reference into the dialog box.
7. In the dialog box, select the Denominator line.
8. Select cell B1 in the worksheet.
9. Select OK in the dialog box to complete the function and return to the worksheet.

The answer 2 appears in cell B6, since 12 divided by 5 has a whole number answer of 2. The remainder is discarded by the function.

When you select cell B6, the complete function =QUOTIENT(A1,B1) appears in the formula bar above the worksheet.

Excel Online

The Formulas tab is not available in Excel Online. However, you can enter the QUOTIENT function manually.

1. Select cell B6 to make it the active cell. This is the location where the formula results will be displayed.
2. Select the Insert > Function to open the Insert Function dialog box.
3. Select Math & Trig in the Pick a Category list.
4. Select QUOTIENT in the Pick a Function list.
5. Select OK.
6. Select cell A1 to select the Numerator and type a comma ( , ).
7. Select cell B1 to select the Denominator and type a close parenthesis ( ) ).
8. Press Enter.

The answer 2 appears in cell B6, since 12 divided by 5 has a whole number answer of 2. The remainder is discarded by the function.