Correct Answer:
A. =
In Microsoft Excel, every formula begins with the equals sign (=). Excel interprets any entry starting with = as a formula or calculation rather than plain text.
- = – Starts a formula (Correct)
- # – Used in error values or special references, not to start formulas.
- @ – Used for implicit intersection in newer versions of Excel.
- $ – Used to create absolute cell references (e.g., $A$1).
Therefore, the correct answer is: =