Why Knowing Excel Formulas Matter?
You’ve just scored your first internship or job interview, and you’re feeling pretty confident of yourself. Then reality strikes—your supervisor emails you an Excel sheet and says, “Can you work out the averages, remove the outliers, and forecast next month’s data?” If your only response is a blank stare or frantic Googling of excel formulas, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
Microsoft Excel, once just a tool for spreadsheets, now has a significant impact on today’s digital workplaces. It’s a skill you need to have. Knowing key Excel formulas can make you stand out when you apply for jobs in admin, finance, logistics, HR, or even marketing. At Infotech Academy, we’ve taught many students in Singapore through WSQ courses. We’ve seen how learning these formulas helps boosts employability and workplace productivity.
Let’s look at the Top 5 Excel formulas that students should learn before they start working.
1. SUM() – The First Of Powerful Excel Formulas
Formula Syntax: = SUM(number1,[number2],…)
If Excel were a toolbox, SUM() would be the hammer. It’s the most basic and used formula.
Do you need to calculate total sales? Add up expenses? Count scores in your assignment? SUM() does it all.
Example:
=SUM(B2:B10)
This adds all the numbers from cells B2 to B10.
Why It Matters: You’ll use SUM() more often than you might expect, whether you’re creating a monthly budget or summarizing sales performance.
2. IF() – Learn to Think Logically
Formula Syntax: = IF(logical_test,value_if_true,value_if_false)
Situation: Lets say, you need to grade students. Anyone scoring above 50, passes; otherwise, they fail. That’s where the IF() formula comes in handy. It allows you to apply conditional logic to your data.
Example:
=IF(B2>50, “Pass”, “Fail”)
This returns you “Pass” if B2’s value exceeds 50 otherwise “Fail.”
Why It Matters: Companies love job seekers who can automate decision-making in spreadsheets. IF() is great for HR reports, stock checks, salary decisions, and more.
3. VLOOKUP() – The Excel Formula Everyone Acts Like They Know
Formula Syntax: = VLOOKUP(lookup_value table_array,col_index_num,[range_lookup])
Are you still using Ctrl+F to find data in big spreadsheets? VLOOKUP() is the shortcut you didn’t know you needed. It looks for a value in the first column of a range and gives you a value in the same row from another column.
Example:
=VLOOKUP(“John”, A2:D100, 4, FALSE)
This locates “John” in column A and gives back the value in the 4th column of that same row.
Why It Counts: When you’re handling hundreds of customer entries, employee IDs, or product codes VLOOKUP() helps you find and match info —without mistakes.
4. COUNTIF() – Tally What’s Important
Formula Structure: = COUNTIF(range,criteria)
Let’s say you need to count the number of students who got scores above 80. Or the number of times “Pending” shows up in a task list. That’s what COUNTIF() does.
Example:
=COUNTIF(C2:C100, “>80”)
This counts the cells in the range with values higher than 80.
Why It Matters: COUNTIF() helps you sum up data—which comes in handy for reports, analytics, and keeping track of performance in Excel without fancy tools.
5. TEXT() – Let Your Data Do the Talking
Formula Syntax: = TEXT(value,format_text)
Excel does more than calculating numbers. Turning them into readable info is where TEXT() shines. From converting dates to custom formats to making numbers look like currency, this formula gives you control over how your data looks.
Example:
=TEXT(A2, “dd/mm/yyyy”)
This changes a date to the format Singaporeans use most often.
Why It Matters: When you’re getting reports ready or sending data to clients or other departments how it looks matters just as much as getting the numbers accurate. TEXT() helps keep everything neat, easy to understand, and pro-looking.
The Importance of These 5 Excel Formulas Goes Beyond What You Might Think
Many Singaporean students think Excel is something you “learn as you go” at work. But the truth is, companies want workplace-ready skills especially for roles like admin, data entry, accounting, or even HR. By mastering and using these five formulas, you:
- Boost your chances of landing a job
- Excel at work from the start
- Steer clear of errors that can hurt your credibility at work
And here’s the best part: You don’t need a data science degree. These are basic skills we teach in our Essential Office Skills Course at Infotech Academy.
This WSQ course goes beyond teaching formulas. You’ll learn how to use Excel in real-world situations, create spreadsheets without errors, and work with digital tools like Zoom, Microsoft Office, and ChatGPT—all of which are essential for career success in Singapore’s digital economy.
Final Thoughts
Nailing interviews and succeeding at work isn’t just about soft skills. Companies these days want employees who are digitally smart. And knowing just five Excel formulas can give you a massive head start.
If you’re in school or just graduated and want to boost your job prospects, don’t leave your Excel skills to chance. Be smart about learning and be smart about working.
Want to build real-world office skills like using Microsoft Excel, Zoom, ChatGPT, and more? Explore our WSQ Digital Courses—funded up to 70% for eligible Singaporeans and perfect for anyone preparing to enter the workforce.
I’ve always been drawn to the power of writing! As a content writer, I love the challenge of finding the right words to capture the essence of HR, payroll, and accounting software. I enjoy breaking down complex concepts, making technical information easy to understand, and helping businesses see the real impact of the right tools.