How to Apply a Vector Formula in Excel – 5 Examples

 

The following dataset showcases vector data:  Data A and Data B.

Dataset for Excel Vector Formula


Example 1 – Using an Addition Formula to Sum Two Vector Data

Steps:

  • Enter the following formula in D5.
=B5:B10+C5:C10

Adding Vectors for Excel Vector Formula

  • Since this is an ARRAY formula press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER. (For Excel 365, press ENTER.)
  • See the result in D5:D10.


Example 2 – Use a Subtraction Formula to Deduct One Vector Data from Another

Steps:

  • Enter the following formula in D5.
=B5:B10-C5:C10

  • Since this is an ARRAY formula press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER. (For Excel 365, press ENTER.)
  • See the result in D5:D10.

Subtracting Vectors for Excel Vector Formula


Example 3 – Using a Vector Dot Formula for Two Sets of Vector Data

3.1. Generic Formula

Steps:

  • Enter the following formula in D5.
=C5*B5

Applying Vector Dot Formula

  • Press ENTER.
  • See the result in D5.
  • Drag down the formula with the Fill Handle tool.

  • This is the output.

  • To find the sum of this multiplication: enter the following formula in D11.
=SUM(D5:D10)

The SUM function sums the cell range.

  • Press ENTER.
  • See the result in D11.


3.2. Applying the SUM Function

Steps:

  • Enter the following formula in C12.
=SUM(B5:B10*C5:C10)

Using SUM Function for Excel Vector Formula

  • Press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER.
  • See the result in C5:C10.


3.3. Combining the MMULT and  the TRANSPOSE Functions

Steps:

  • Enter the following formula in C12.
=MMULT(TRANSPOSE(B5:B10),(C5:C10))

Use of MMULT and TRANSPOSE Functions for Excel Vector Formula

Formula Breakdown

  • The MMULT function returns the matrix product of two cell ranges.
  • The TRANSPOSE function modifies the orientation of the cell range.
  • TRANSPOSE(B5:B10)→ becomes
    • Output: {3,5,7,9,11,13}
  • MMULT(TRANSPOSE(B5:B10),(C5:C10) becomes
    • MMULT({3,5,7,9,11,13}),(C5:C10)) 
      • Output:  592
  • Press ENTER.
  • See the result in C12.


Example 4 – Using a Vector Cross Formula for Two Sets of Vector Data

The following dataset showcases the value of IaI (value of the first vector), IbI (value of the second vector), and the angle between them θ in degree.

  • Convert the angle to Radians. and find the cross multiplication by using the formula a x b=IaI IbI Sinθ

Employing Vector Cross Formula

Steps:

  • Convert the Degree to Radians: Enter the following formula in C8.
=RADIANS(C7)

The RADIANS function converts the degree into radians.

  • Press ENTER.
  • See the result in C8.

  • To find the Sinθ, use the following formula in C9.
=SIN(C8)

The SIN function converts the Radian angle into the sin angle.

Inserting SIN function for Excel Vector Formula

  • Press ENTER.
  • See the result in C9.

  • To find the cross-product, enter the following formula in C10.
=C5*C6*C9

  • Press ENTER.
  • See the output in C10.


Example 5 – Using a Vector Formula to Find Two Components Using Magnitude and Reference Angle of This Vector

In the image below the magnitude of a vector is 10, and the direction is 60°. You want to find X and Y.

X = 10 Cosθ
Y=10 Sinθ
Data was inserted in the dataset.

Use of Magnitude and Reference for Excel Vector Formula

Steps:

  • Convert Degrees to Radians, using the following formula in C7.
=RADIANS(C6)

  • Press ENTER.
  • See the result in C8.

  • To find X, enter the following formula in C8.
=C5*COS(C7)

  • Press ENTER.

See the result in C8.

  • To find Y, enter the following formula in C9.
=C5*SIN(C7)

  • See the outcome in C9.

This is the output.


Practice Section

Download the following Excel file and practice.


Download Practice Workbook

Download the Excel file and practice.


Vector Formula in Excel: Knowledge Hub

<< Go Back to | Excel for Math | Learn Excel

Get FREE Advanced Excel Exercises with Solutions!
Afia Kona
Afia Kona

Afia Aziz Kona, a graduate of NAME from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh, serves as a technical content creator in the ExcelDemy project. Possessing a passion for innovation and critical thinking, she actively embraces challenges. Beyond her engineering background, Afia exhibits a keen interest in Excel, having authored numerous articles on Excel & VBA-related issues to simplify the experience for users facing obstacles in Excel. Apart from creating Excel tutorials, she is also interested... Read Full Bio

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

Advanced Excel Exercises with Solutions PDF

 

 

ExcelDemy
Logo