Microsoft® Excel® 2010 Formulas & Functions Inside Out

Calculating Profit Margin

To calculate the profit margin, do the following:

1. Click in cell D3 and subtract the Purchase amount from the Sales amount. To do this, enter an equal sign (=) in cell D3, click in cell C3, enter a minus sign (–) and then click in cell B3 (see Figure 1-18).

   

   Figure 1-18. Subtracting values.

2. Press the Enter key.

3. Double-click the fill handle to calculate the profit margin through December (see Figure 1-19).

   

   Figure 1-19. The profit margin is calculated for all months.