If a symbol has two meanings, then its actual meaning in your formula depends on the formula writing that you do. Represents an array formula (a formula that produces an array result)īecomes a media to input a field name of a table Separates a certain calculation so it can run first Separates a sheet name reference with the cell/cell range coordinate referenceīecomes a media to give your formula inputs Represents “to” in a cell range writing (A1:B10 means A1 to B10 cell in the cell range)īecomes a media to type a text input directly in a formulaīecomes a media to input a workbook and worksheet name reference if the name has spaces Separates one input and another (can be replaced by comma, depending on the excel settings) Separates one input and another (can be replaced by semicolon, depending on the excel settings) Makes the * or ? symbol literal in criteria writing Represents a wildcard operator in criteria writing (any one character) Make the row number or column letter on its right an absolute reference (won’t move when we copy the formula to other cells)Ĭoncatenate the data on the left with the data on the right Represents “more than” in a logic condition Makes the number on its left side a percentage Powers the number on the left with the level of the number on the right Represents a wildcard operator in criteria writing (any character in any amount)ĭivides the number on the left with the number on the right Multiplies the number on the left with the number on the right Subtracts the number on the left with the number on the right Represents “equal to/the same as” in a logic conditionĪdds the number on the left with the number on the right Each symbol is explained with its name, meaning, and formula writing example to help you understand them better. You can extend the substitution levels to suit as it is just simple nesting. As indicated before replace 2 underscores with actual spaces. Here is a table that lists the symbols you can use in an excel formula. As of now I can think of below kind of approach if you insist on formula (but it will falter with bigger spaces if you have) until someone comes with more elegant approach. List of Symbols in Excel Formula and Their Meanings