How to Divide in Google Sheets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Google Sheets is a fantastic tool for managing data for small and large scale businesses alike. But let's face it, sometimes you just need to divide numbers. I mean, let's be honest who hasn't had to calculate the average of a set of numbers or divide a pie? Fear not! In this article, I'm going to walk you through how to divide in Google Sheets a step-by-step guide, and by the end, you'll be a pro.

Understanding the Basics of Division

Before we dive into Google Sheets, let's get a quick reminder on the basics of division. Division is the process of splitting a number into equal parts. For example, if you want to divide 12 by 3, you would end up with 4 equal parts. Easy enough, right?

Starting a New Project and Preparing to Divide

To divide in Google Sheets, you'll first need to create a new project. Once you have a new project open, you'll want to prepare your document for dividing. Assuming that you already have your numbers entered into the sheet, you'll want to click on an empty cell where you'd like the result to appear.

The Steps to Divide

Now that you have your sheet and cell ready to go, it's time to start dividing.

Step 1: Start with the equals sign

A formula in Google Sheets always starts with the equals sign. In our case, we want to divide, so type the equals sign and then either type the cell location or select the cell with the number you want to divide.

Step 2: Add the slash (/)

After selecting your first cell, add a forward slash (/) to represent the division symbol.

Step 3: Select the cell you want to divide by

Next, select the cell you want to divide by. You can either type the cell location or use your mouse to select the cell.

Step 4: Hit enter

After selecting the second cell, hit enter, and voila, you've divided!

Formatting Your Results

Now that you know how to divide in Google Sheets like a pro, let's talk about making your results look a little more presentable.

Adding Number Formatting

First, you may want to adjust the number formatting of the cell. Like if you prefer a specific currency or perhaps a decimal format, it's best to format the cell first before entering the division formula. You can format the cell by right-clicking on it and selecting “Format Cells.”

The Round Function

And for those of us who hate seeing decimals, we can use a round function. This will allow you to specify how many decimal points to show in your answer. For example, TRUNC([value], [number] will round the number to whatever you put in the second argument. So, =TRUNC(A1/A2, 2) will give you the answer in two decimal places.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, a step-by-step guide on how to divide in Google Sheets. Hopefully, you are now confident and ready to use this feature to your advantage. Remember to always start with the equals sign, add a forward slash for division, and select the cell you want to divide by. And don't forget to format your results to make them look more professional. Now, go forth and divide!