How to divide on Google Sheets

By SpreadCheaters
Page last updated: 19/04/2023 | Next review date: 19/04/2025
close

Author bio


SpreadCheaters
View More north_east

You can watch a video tutorial here.

Google Sheets is widely used for calculations due to the several arithmetic operators and functions that it has. You will frequently need to perform a variety of mathematical operations when creating calculated columns.  There are 2 ways to divide numbers on Google Sheets:

  1. Using the division operator (/)
  2. Using the DIVIDE() function: this divides one number by the other
    1. Syntax: DIVIDE(number1, number2)
      1. number1: the numerator
      2. number1: the denominator

Option 1 – Use the division operator

Step 1 – Create the formula

  • Select the cell where the result is to appear
  • Type the formula using cell references:

= Monthly Sales / Days open

  • Press Enter

Step 2 – Copy the formula

  • Using the fill handle from the first cell, drag the formula to the remaining cells

OR

  1. Select the cell with the formula and press Ctrl+C or choose Copy from the context menu (right-click)
  2. Select the rest of the cells in the column and press Ctrl+V or choose Paste from the context menu (right-click)

Note: If Autofill suggestions appear, you can select that to fill the rest of the column

Option 2 – Use the DIVIDE() function 

Step 1 – Create the formula

  • Select the cell where the result is to appear
  • Type the formula using cell references:

= DIVIDE(Monthly Sales, Days open)

  • Press Enter

Note: The DIVIDE() function can also be inserted using the following:

  • Insert > Function > All > DIVIDE
  • Click the Functions button on the ribbon and go to All > DIVIDE

Step 2 – Copy the formula

  • Using the fill handle from the first cell, drag the formula to the remaining cells

OR

  1. Select the cell with the formula and press Ctrl+C or choose Copy from the context menu (right-click)
  2. Select the rest of the cells in the column and press Ctrl+V or choose Paste from the context menu (right-click)

Note: If Autofill suggestions appear, you can select that to fill the rest of the column

Step 3 – Format the numbers

  • Use the buttons on the ribbon to format the numbers