Dividing numbers in Google Sheets is one of the most common use cases for spreadsheet users. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to divide in Google Sheets using the division operator and the DIVIDE function.
Using the Division Operator (/)
The division operator or the slash symbol (/) is used to divide two specified numbers. In Google Sheets, you can use it on individual numbers or by placing the operator between two cell references containing numbers.
1. Identify the Dividend (Number to Divide) in Google Sheets
The dividend is the whole that you want to divide into a specified number of parts. Let’s take this example with a dividend of 100.
2. Place your Divisor (Number of Division) in the Second Cell
Your divisor is the specified number of parts that you will divide your dividend into. Here, we want to divide 100 into 5 parts.
3. In the third cell, write =[dividend]/[divisor]
Use the equal sign before the formula and don’t forget to use the slash symbol between the two values. You can enter your dividend and divisor in multiple ways in Google Sheets:
- As direct values:
=100/5 - As cell references:
=A2/B2 - As a combination of direct values and cell references:
=A2/5 - As locked cell references:
=A2/$B$2
Adding the $ symbol will lock the formula to the referenced cell. Even if you drag the formula to other cells, the locked value will not change in Google Sheets. This is useful for dividing multiple numbers by the same number.
Using the DIVIDE Function in Google Sheets
Google Sheets also has a function we can use to divide values called the DIVIDE function. Here’s a quick overview of its syntax and usage.
Syntax of the DIVIDE Function
=DIVIDE(dividend, divisor)
You can enter the dividend and divisor as direct values or cell references when using the DIVIDE function in Google Sheets. Here are the steps to use this function:
Divide Numbers Using the DIVIDE Function
1. Enter your dividend and divisor in separate cells
For example, let’s use multiple numbers and get their percentages.
2. In an empty cell, use =DIVIDE(dividend, divisor)
3. Press Enter and drag the formula to other cells
4. To display them as percentages, select the values and simply go to Format -> Number, then select Percentage from the list.
Now, you can easily visualize your quotients as percentages and use these values according to your needs.
Use our expiration reminder software to easily set up custom reminders from your spreadsheet with just a few clicks.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our article on how to use standard deviation in Google Sheets or our article on how to calculate the average in Google Sheets.
To learn how to use mail merge in Google Sheets, we also suggest checking out our detailed guide.
