The BRACKETS function with example in Excel

In Excel, there isn't a specific function called "BRACKETS." However, you might be referring to the use of parentheses for controlling the order of operations in formulas. Parentheses are used to group parts of a formula to ensure that certain calculations are performed first.

Example

Consider a simple arithmetic expression where you want to ensure the addition is performed before the multiplication.

Data:

A	B	C	D
Number	10	5	Formula
			Result

Steps to Use Parentheses for Order of Operations:

1. Enter the Numbers:

   • In cell B1, enter 10.
   • In cell C1, enter 5.

2. Create a Formula Without Parentheses:

   • In cell D1, enter the following formula:

     =B1 + C1 * 2
     

   • This formula will first multiply C1 by 2 and then add the result to B1.

3. Create a Formula With Parentheses:

   • In cell D2, enter the following formula:

     scss
     =(B1 + C1) * 2
     

   • This formula will first add B1 and C1 together and then multiply the result by 2.

Results:

A	B	C	D	E
Number	10	5	Formula	Result
			=B1 + C1 * 2	20
			=(B1 + C1) * 2	30

Explanation

• In cell D1, =B1 + C1 * 2 is evaluated as =10 + 5 * 2, which follows the standard order of operations (multiplication before addition). This results in 10 + 10, which equals 20.
• In cell D2, =(B1 + C1) * 2 ensures that the addition is performed first. This results in =(10 + 5) * 2, which equals 15 * 2, or 30.

More Complex Example

Suppose you want to calculate the average of three numbers, but you need to add two of them first before dividing by the total count.

Data:

A	B	C	D	E	F
Number	10	20	30	Formula	Result

Steps:

1. Enter the Numbers:

   • In cells B1, C1, and D1, enter 10, 20, and 30 respectively.

2. Create the Formula With Parentheses:

   • In cell E1, enter the following formula:

     scss
     =(B1 + C1 + D1) / 3
     

Result:

A	B	C	D	E	F
Number	10	20	30	=(B1 + C1 + D1) / 3	20

Explanation

• The formula =(B1 + C1 + D1) / 3 ensures that the sum of B1, C1, and D1 is calculated first, resulting in 60.
• Then, 60 is divided by 3, yielding 20.

Summary

Parentheses are essential in Excel formulas for controlling the order of operations and ensuring calculations are performed correctly. By grouping parts of your formula, you can dictate which operations are prioritized, leading to accurate results.