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Before we dive into basic math in Excel, there’s one important thing to know:
All formulas in Excel start with an equal sign (=). This tells Excel that you’re doing a calculation.
Here’s how to enter a formula:
- Click on the cell where you want the answer to appear.
- Type
=followed by your formula (like =5+8). - Press Enter, and the result will appear in the cell.
How to Add Numbers in Excel
Adding numbers in Excel is one of the most common tasks you’ll perform. There are several ways to do it.
Whether you’re adding a couple of numbers or summing up a whole column, Excel makes it easy.
Add Two or More Numbers in a Single Cell
If you want to quickly add a few numbers together, you can do this directly in a single cell.
Example:
- Click on the cell where you want the result to appear, e.g., cell B2.
- Type in this formula and press Enter:
=10+20+30- The sum of these numbers, 60, will be displayed in the cell.
This method is handy for quick calculations without involving other cells.
How to Add Cells in Excel
Instead of typing numbers directly, you can use cell references to add values from different cells.
This is useful because if the numbers in those cells change, Excel will automatically update the sum.
Example:
Suppose you have numbers in cells A1, A2, and A3.
- Click on the cell where you want the sum to appear (e.g., A4).
- Type
=and then click on each cell (A1, A2, A3) that you want to include in the sum, adding+between each one. Alternatively, you can type the formula:
=A1+A2+A3 - Press Enter.
- The sum of the values in A1, A2, and A3 will appear in cell A4.
This method keeps your calculations dynamic. It lets you click on cells instead of typing their references.
Use the AutoSum Button to Quickly Add Numbers
Excel’s AutoSum feature is a quick and easy way to sum a column or row of numbers with just a few clicks.
Example:
- Click on the cell immediately below the column of numbers you want to add (or to the right of a row).
- Go to the Home tab on the ribbon.
- Click the AutoSum button (Σ).
- Excel will automatically insert the SUM function, highlighting the range it thinks you want to add.
- Press Enter to confirm.
AutoSum is perfect for beginners or when you need to sum up numbers quickly without typing formulas.
Use the SUM Function to Add Numbers in Excel
The SUM function is a powerful tool for adding a range of numbers. It’s especially useful when you need to add up multiple values across a row or column.
Example:
Suppose you want to add up all the numbers in cells B2 through G2.
- Click on the cell where you want the result to appear (e.g., H2).
- Type
=SUM( - Then use your mouse to click and drag over the range of cells you want to add (B2 to G2). Excel will automatically fill in the range for you.
- Press Enter.
Excel will calculate the sum of all the numbers in the range from B2 to G2.
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How to Subtract in Excel
Subtracting numbers in Excel is easy and straightforward. Here’s how you can do this basic math in Excel.
Subtract Two or More Numbers in a Single Cell
If you want to subtract numbers directly in a cell, it’s just like basic arithmetic.
Example:
- Click on the cell where you want the result, e.g., cell B2.
- Type
=30-15and press Enter. - The result, 15, will appear in the cell.
You can also subtract more than two numbers in a single formula.
- For example, =50-20-10 will subtract 20 and 10 from 50, giving you 20.
Subtract Numbers Using Cell References in Excel
Using cell references to subtract numbers is a handy way to keep your calculations dynamic.
This means if you update the numbers in the cells, Excel will automatically update the result.
Example:
Suppose you have 30 in cell A1 and 18 in cell B1.
- Click on the cell where you want the result (e.g., C1).
- Type
= - Then click on the first cell (A1), type
-, and click on the second cell (B1). Alternatively, you can type =A1-B1. - The result, 12, will show up in C1.
This method is especially useful if you’re working with a table of numbers. It allows for easy updates without redoing your formulas.
How to Multiply in Excel
Multiply Numbers in a Single Cell in Excel
Multiplying numbers directly in a cell is great for quick calculations.
The multiply formula in Excel uses the asterisk symbol (*).
Example:
- Click on the cell where you want the result to appear.
- Type =5*4 and press Enter.
- The result, 20, will be displayed in the cell.
This method is perfect for when you need a fast calculation without involving other cells.
How to Multiply Cells in Excel
Using cell references allows you to multiply numbers that are already in your worksheet.
This method is handy because if the numbers in those cells change, Excel will automatically update the result.
Example:
- Suppose you have 5 in cell A1 and 4 in cell B1.
- Click on the cell where you want the result to appear (e.g., C1).
- Type
=, then click on cell A1, type*, and then click on cell B1.
- Press Enter and the result, 20, will show up in C1.
Multiplying Multiple Cells
If you want to multiply several cells together, you can extend the formula.
Example:
If you have numbers in cells B2, C2, and D2, you can multiply them all by using the formula:
=B2*C2*D2
- Press Enter and Excel will calculate the product of all three cells.
- To copy the formula down to other cells, use the fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right corner of the cell) and drag it down.
This will automatically apply the formula to the cells below.
To learn more about how to copy a formula in Excel, check out this article.
How to Divide in Excel
The divide formula in Excel uses the forward slash (/).
Example:
- To divide 20 by 4, type =20/4 and press Enter.
- To divide one cell by another, type =A1/B1.
Download the Workbook
Enhance your learning experience by downloading our workbook. Practice the techniques discussed in real-time and master basic math in Excel with hands-on examples.
Download the workbook here and start applying what you’ve learned directly in Excel.
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Leila Gharani
I’ve spent over 20 years helping businesses use data to improve their results. I've worked as an economist and a consultant. I spent 12 years in corporate roles across finance, operations, and IT—managing SAP and Oracle projects.
As a 7-time Microsoft MVP, I have deep knowledge of tools like Excel and Power BI.
I love making complex tech topics easy to understand. There’s nothing better than helping someone realize they can do it themselves. I’m always learning new things too and finding better ways to help others succeed.
