How to Do Factorial in Excel: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

how to do factorial in excel

Want to calculate the factorial of a number in Excel but unsure how? It’s pretty straightforward! You use a formula to get this done quickly. Essentially, you’ll be using the FACT function, which tells Excel to do the math for you. Let’s dive into the steps that will guide you through this process, and some handy tips to make sure you get it right.

How to do Factorial in Excel: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Follow these steps to calculate the factorial of any number in Excel. You’ll be using the FACT function, which is specifically designed for this purpose.

Step 1: Open Excel

First, open Excel on your computer.

If you don’t have Excel already opened, find it on your start menu or applications folder and double-click to open it.

Step 2: Select a Cell

Step 2: Click on the cell where you want the factorial result to appear.

Choose a cell where you want the result to show up. It can be any cell, but picking an empty one will help keep things organized.

Step 3: Enter the Formula

Step 3: Type =FACT(number) into the cell.

Replace "number" with the actual number you want the factorial of. For example, if you want the factorial of 5, you’d type =FACT(5).

Step 4: Press Enter

Hit the Enter key.

Excel will automatically calculate the factorial of the number you entered and display the result in the cell you selected.

Step 5: Verify the Result

Step 5: Double-check the result to ensure it’s correct.

Look at the cell where you input the formula. The number there should be the factorial of the number you entered. For example, if you entered =FACT(5), the cell should now display 120.

Once you’ve completed these steps, Excel will display the factorial of the number you input. It’s as simple as that!

Tips for How to do Factorial in Excel

• Always start your formula with an equals sign = to let Excel know you’re entering a function.
• If you want to reference a cell instead of a specific number, you can use the cell name inside the FACT function. For example: =FACT(A1).
• Be cautious with very large numbers as the factorial function can produce extremely large results that may be hard to manage or understand.
• Use parentheses properly to ensure that Excel computes the number inside them first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a factorial?

A factorial of a number is the product of all positive integers up to that number. For instance, the factorial of 5 (denoted as 5!) is 1 x 2 x 3 x 4 x 5 = 120.

Can I use a cell reference in the FACT function?

Yes, you can. Simply put the cell reference inside the parentheses. For example, if the number is in cell A1, you’d type =FACT(A1).

What happens if I enter a negative number?

Excel will return an error because factorials are only defined for non-negative integers.

Is there a shortcut for the FACT function in Excel?

No specific shortcut exists, but typing =FACT( will prompt Excel to suggest the FACT function as you type.

Can I calculate factorials of decimals?

No, the FACT function only accepts whole numbers. If you input a decimal, Excel will return an error.

Summary of How to do Factorial in Excel

1. Open Excel.
2. Select a cell.
3. Enter the formula =FACT(number).
4. Press Enter.
5. Verify the result.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Calculating a factorial in Excel is incredibly simple once you know the steps. Using the FACT function can save you loads of time and avoid potential mistakes you might make doing the math manually. Now that you know how to do factorial in Excel, why not try it out with different numbers? It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the function and see just how efficient Excel can be. If you’re interested in honing your Excel skills even further, there are plenty of other functions and tips available online to explore. Happy calculating!