How to Divide in Excel

Microsoft Excel offers a myriad of functionalities to handle complex numerical operations, and division is no exception. While many might be familiar with Excel's built-in functions for operations like addition, division in Excel requires a slightly different approach.

In Excel, you can divide using cell references, handle errors like dividing by zero, and even combine division with other operations for more complex calculations.

Businesses and professionals frequently use Excel's division capabilities for various tasks, from calculating profit margins and monthly budgets to determining employee wages and expenditure reports. With the right knowledge, you can harness Excel's full potential to perform these tasks efficiently. In this tutorial, we'll delve deep into the world of division in Excel. From basic operations to handling errors and combining with other functions, we've got you covered.

How to Divide Numbers in Excel

Before diving deep into complex operations, it's essential to grasp the basics. This section showshow to divide numbers directly in Excel. It's the foundation upon which all other methods are built, ensuring you have a clear understanding of simple division tasks.

1. Enter the division formula with numbers
    
   If you need to divide two numbers in Excel, you can do so by typing the equals sign (=) in a cell, then typing the number you want to divide followed by a forward slash (/), followed by the number you want to divide by. Once you have entered this formula, you can hit the Enter key to calculate the result.
    
   
   
2. You can combine multiple divisions using the (+) character
    
   
   
3. This works also with more complex formulas that include brackets with other operations.
    
   It is crucial to keep in mind the order of calculations in Excel, also known as PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction), when using formulas that involve multiple arithmetic operations. We need to perform calculations inside parentheses first, then exponentiation, followed by multiplication or division, whichever comes first, and finally addition or subtraction, whichever comes first.
    
   

How to Divide Cell Values in Excel

As you progress in Excel, you'll find that working with cell references is a game-changer. This segment introduces you to dividing values from different cells. By referencing cells, your calculations become more adaptable, updating automatically as your data evolves.

1. You can replace numerator and denominator with the name of another cell
    
   
   
2. You can use other cells both as numerator and denominator
    
   
   
3. Excel formulas also allow for a series of such divisions chained together
    
   To divide the values of multiple cells in succession, you can use cell references separated by the division symbol (/) in a formula. For instance, if you want to divide the value in cell B3 by the value in C2, and then divide the result by the value in D3, you can use this formula: =B3/C2/D3.
    
   

How to Divide in Excel Using the QUOTIENT-Function

Sometimes, you need precision without the clutter of decimals. Enter the QUOTIENT function. If you want to return only the integer portion of a division and discard the remainder, then use this method. The term “integer” refers to a whole number that does not have any fractional or decimal parts. It can be positive, negative, or zero. Here is the difference of using the above method to using the QUOTIENT function: 

1. Using the divide sign (/) will provide decimals in the results, if there are any
    
   
   
2. The QUOTIENT function instead returns only the integer part
    
   It may seem simple, but there are a few things you should know about the Excel QUOTIENT function. First, be sure to supply both numerator and denominator arguments as numbers, cell references containing numbers, or functions that return numbers. If either argument is non-numeric, the QUOTIENT formula will return the #VALUE! error. Additionally, if the denominator is 0, the QUOTIENT function will return the divide by zero error (#DIV/0!).
    
   

How to Divide Two Columns in Excel by Copying a Formula

Dealing with vast amounts of data across columns? This method provides efficiency of dividing one entire column by another by merely copying a formula. It's a time-saver, ensuring consistent calculations across rows.

1. Enter on single division of values of the two columns and let Excel fill out the rest
    
   

   To divide two cells in the topmost row, simply enter the formula “=C3/D3” in the first cell (here E3). Then, double-click the small green square in the lower-right corner of the cell to copy the formula down the column. This way, you won't have to manually enter the formula in every cell.

   The formula uses relative cell references, denoted by the absence of the “$” sign. This means that when it is copied to other cells, the formula will adjust according to the relative position of the cell, which makes it very convenient.
    
   

2. Excel will automatically fill in the needed formulas and show the results for each division
    
   
   

How to Divide One Excel Column by Another With an Array Formula

To prevent accidental deletion or alteration of a formula in individual cells, you can insert an array formula in an entire range.

1. Select the column/cells and enter the array formula
    
   For example, if you want to divide the values in cells C3:C7 by the values in D3:D7 row-by-row, you can use the formula: =C3:C7/D3:D7. To insert the array formula correctly, follow these steps:
    
   a) Select the entire range where you want to enter the formula, which in this example is E3:E8.
    
   b) Type the formula in the formula bar and press “Ctrl + Shift + Enter” to complete it.
    
   
   
2. Excel will enclose the formula in {curly braces}, indicating it's an array formula.
    
   
   
3. To edit the array formula, you can change the references and use the hotkey again
    
   
   
4. This will then change the array formula
    
   

How to Divide an Excel Column by a Number With a Formula

Often, you'll encounter scenarios where an entire column needs to be divided by a single number. This segment equips you with the skills to do just that, using formulas.

1. You can use the Excel autofill feature shown above also for simple formulas to divide an Excel column by a certain number.
    
   

   To divide every number in a specific column by the same number, you can use a division formula in the first cell and then copy the formula down the column.

   Rather than entering the divisor directly into the formula, you can input it in a separate cell, such as F2, and divide by that cell. When doing this, it is essential to lock the cell reference with a dollar sign – like $F$2 – to make it an absolute reference. This is because the reference should remain constant, no matter where the formula is copied.
    
   

2. Excel will use the same division reference for all the copied formulas and provide the output
    
   

How to Divide a Column by the Same Number With Paste Special

The methods shown above to autofill division formulas will show the individual value of the divisions, but each cell will carry a formula and not the result value. If your final goal is to have fixed result values in cells when dividing a column, you can use the “Paste Special” feature.

1. Divide the column using “CTRL+ALT+V” and then “I” for copying
    
   a) Copy the divisor with “CTRL+C” to the clipboard
    
   b) Then select the column/cells you want to do the division filling in fixed values.
    
   c) Finally, press “CTRL+ALT+V” and then “I” as the shortcut for Paste Special > Divide, and then Enter.
    
   
   
2. Excel will do the division, automatically filling in the result values
    
   
   
   
3. Alternative without using the paste special shortcut
    
   a) Copy the divisor with “CTRL+C” to the clipboard
    
   b) Select the column/cells for the results and right-click on the selection
    
   c) Choose “Paste Special”
    
   
   
4. Select “Divide” in the “Paste Special” box and click “OK”
    
   

What is the Excel DIV/0! error?

“DIV/0!” stands for division by zero, which is an invalid operation and therefore, not allowed. When you attempt to divide a number by zero or an empty cell in Excel, the divide by zero error (#DIV/0!) occurs. This error indication can be useful in some cases, as it alerts you to possible issues with your data set. However, in other scenarios, your formulas may simply be awaiting input.