Introduction

A SpreadsheetML formula is an equation that performs a calculation that typically involves the values of one or more cells in one or more worksheets.

A formula is an expression that can contain the following: constants (§3.16.2), operators (§3.16.3), cell references (§3.16.4), calls to functions (§3.16.5), and names (§3.16.6).

Consider the formula PI()*(A2^2). In this case,

• PI() results in a call to the function PI, which returns the value of π.

• The cell reference A2 returns the value in that cell.

• 2 is a numeric constant.

• The caret (^) operator raises its left operand to the power of its right operand.

• The parentheses, ( and ), are used for grouping.

• The asterisk (*) operator performs multiplication of its two operands.