Formula Entry

A formula is a string of up to 80 characters containing numbers, operators, Spreadsheet functions, cell references, and names used to calculate a value.

A formula entered in a cell of the Data Entry spreadsheet must begin with an equals sign (=) so that it is recognized as a formula. When a formula is stored against an analyte of a scheme, omit the equals sign.

Numbers in formulae can be followed by a percent sign (%). Numbers with trailing percent signs are treated as percentages (e.g., 100% is evaluated as 1).

If text is encountered when a number is expected, the text is converted to a number. For example, the formula 1 + "3" returns 4, because "3" is converted to a number. If the text cannot be converted to a valid number (e.g., 1 + "Text"), #VALUE! is returned.

Likewise, if a number is encountered when text is expected, the number is converted to text. The formula "The number is "&3 converts to the text string "The number is 3".

The value TRUE always converts to 1; while FALSE converts to 0. If a number is encountered when a logical value is expected, a zero is converted to FALSE. All other numbers are converted to TRUE. If text is encountered when a logical value is expected, "TRUE" is converted to TRUE; "FALSE" is converted to FALSE. All other text returns #VALUE!.

Dates and times are recognized and converted to their serial values. For example, "10/10/94" - "10/1/94" equals 9.