Formulas let you define data in a column as a function of data in other columns.
For example, if you record length in a column named L, and width in a column named W, you can use the formula W * L to automatically calculate the area and store it in a third column (named Area). When values in L or W change, the Area column is automatically updated.
You assign a formula to an entire column, not to individual cells. A formula assigned to a column cannot reference that same column directly or indirectly. For example, you cannot assign the formula 2 * C1 to column C1 because each data value in C1 cannot simultaneously be its original value and twice its original value.
Columns with formulas have a green checkmark in the column number cell.
Suppose you have data in C1 and C2. You want to calculate the sum of these two columns in C3, and the product of the two columns in C4. You want Minitab to automatically recalculate C3 and C4 whenever the data change in either C1 or C2.
To view the formula for a column, hold the pointer over the formula icon in the column number cell. To view all the formulas in the worksheet, follow these steps.
You can control when formulas in a project are calculated.
If formulas are not set to calculate automatically and the data in the formula change, the icon in the column number cell changes to a yellow triangle.
To change the default settings for future sessions of Minitab, choose .