What are Excel functions?

Excel functions are predefined formulas that are readily available to users for performing specific calculations or operations on data. They allow users to easily manipulate and analyze data without having to write complex formulas from scratch. For instance, functions like SUM, AVERAGE, and VLOOKUP are built into Excel and can be used to quickly compute totals, average a set of numbers, or look up values in a table, respectively.

These predefined functions streamline tasks, making it more efficient for users to work with data. By using functions, users can automate calculations, reduce errors, and save time, enhancing their productivity in spreadsheet modeling. This makes the use of functions a fundamental skill in mastering Excel and data management.