“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.” — Proverbs 11:1
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Write formulas with operators and cell references
- Use SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, and COUNT
- Explain relative and absolute references
- Check formulas for errors
Lesson Notes
Formula Basics
Every formula starts with =. Operators: + (add), − (subtract), (multiply), / (divide). Use cell references instead of typing numbers so results update automatically: =C2D2 multiplies quantity by unit cost.
Common Functions
- =SUM(E2:E11) adds a range.
- =AVERAGE(E2:E11) finds the mean.
- =MIN( ) and =MAX( ) find the smallest and largest values.
- =COUNT( ) counts cells with numbers; =COUNTA( ) counts non-empty cells.
The AutoSum button (Σ) inserts SUM quickly.
Relative and Absolute References
When you copy a formula down, references change automatically (relative). Sometimes one cell must stay fixed, such as a tax rate in F1. Add dollar signs to lock it: =E2$F$1*. Press F4 to toggle the dollar signs.
Checking Your Work
Common errors: #DIV/0! (dividing by zero or a blank), #VALUE! (text where a number is expected), ##### (column too narrow). Use Show Formulas (Ctrl + `) to review all formulas at once, and spot-check one result with a calculator.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Formula | A calculation beginning with = |
| Function | A built-in formula such as SUM |
| Relative reference | Changes when copied (A2) |
| Absolute reference | Stays fixed when copied ($A$2) |
In-Class Activities
Order Totals
In your supply list, add a Total column (=Quantity*Unit Cost) and copy it down. Add rows for Grand Total (SUM), Average Unit Cost, Highest Total (MAX), and Number of Items (COUNT).
Sales Tax
Put a 7% sales tax rate in cell H1. Add a Tax column using an absolute reference and copy it down. Then add a Total with Tax column.
Assignment: Budget with Formulas
Build a monthly office budget with at least 10 expense lines and Budgeted and Actual columns.
- A Difference column (=Actual−Budgeted).
- Totals using SUM, plus the largest and smallest expense.
- A percentage-of-total column using an absolute reference to the grand total.
- Spot-check one result with a calculator and note it.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Proverbs 11:1 says God delights in honest measures. Spreadsheets in an office often track real money. What does financial honesty look like at work, even when no one would notice a small error or shortcut?
Prayer focus: Ask God to make you honest and accurate in every measure and record.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Honest Measures
Proverbs says a false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight (11:1). In ancient markets, merchants could cheat with rigged scales. Today, spreadsheets are the scales of many workplaces: they measure money, hours, and inventory.
Formulas keep measures honest and accurate. When you type =C2*D2 instead of a number you calculated in your head, the math is visible, checkable, and automatically updated. That transparency is a form of integrity.
Absolute references ($H$1) may feel confusing at first. Think of them as anchors: when you copy a formula, the dollar signs keep one cell fixed, like a tax rate, while everything else moves.
Always spot-check. Choose one result and verify it with a calculator. Professionals do this not because they expect errors but because accuracy matters to the people who depend on the numbers.
Think About It
- Why does honesty with numbers matter so much? ______________________
- What is one formula you feel confident about? ______________________
- How will you check your work? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 2
Just Weights
A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.— Proverbs 11:1 (KJV)
God delights in honest measures. Accurate spreadsheets honor Him.
Reflect: Where is honesty with numbers challenging?
Pray: Lord, make my measures just.
Do: Spot-check one calculation.
Truth in the Inward Parts
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts.— Psalm 51:6 (KJV)
God desires truth deep within, not just in appearance.
Reflect: Where is God asking for deeper honesty?
Pray: Lord, create truth in me.
Do: Be completely honest in one hard conversation.
Anchored
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast.— Hebrews 6:19 (KJV)
Like an absolute reference, hope in God keeps us fixed when everything around us shifts.
Reflect: What anchors you?
Pray: Lord, be the anchor of my soul.
Do: Write down what keeps you steady.
Examine Your Ways
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.— Lamentations 3:40 (KJV)
Checking our work, and our lives, leads to correction and growth.
Reflect: What needs examining in your life?
Pray: Lord, search me and lead me.
Do: Review your week honestly.
Good Stewards
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God.— 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)
We steward grace, skills, and resources. Accurate numbers are part of stewardship.
Reflect: What are you a steward of?
Pray: Lord, make me a good steward.
Do: Track your personal spending for one day.
Module Quiz
- 1.
Which formula adds B2 through B10?
- 2.
To lock the tax-rate cell H1 when copying a formula, write:
- 3.
#DIV/0! means:
- 4.
Using cell references instead of typed numbers lets results update automatically.
- 5.
What is the difference between COUNT and COUNTA?