= Spreadsheet formula
A <mathematical expression> stored in a <spreadsheet cell>, with references to other <spreadsheet cells>. In this example `=A1+A2` asks for <addition>, `=2*A1` for <multiplication>, and `=A2^2` for <exponentiation>. The evaluator in <spreadsheet dependency evaluation> assumes these <spreadsheet formulas> have already been represented by their ordered lists of referenced <spreadsheet cells> and operations on the resulting numbers; it does not execute arbitrary formula text.
Copying a <spreadsheet formula> produces a new expression by adjusting its <spreadsheet cell references>. Copying only its displayed value produces a number instead. For example, copying the <spreadsheet formula> `=A2*B2` down one row gives `=A3*B3`; entering its former value $15/2$ in the next row would give neither the required relationship nor this example's correct subtotal $7$.
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