How to Multiply, Divide, Add and Subtract in Excel 2024

How to Multiply, Divide, Add and Subtract in Excel
EasyExcel
8 Min Read

Transform the way you use Excel with just a few simple steps. Learn how to multiply, divide, add and subtract in Excel.

This will make managing finances, analyzing data, or organizing information much easier.

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:

  1. Click on the cell where you want the answer to appear.
  2. Type = followed by your formula (like =5+8).
  3. 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.
Add Two or More Numbers in a Single 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.

How to Add Cells in Excel
  • 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.
How to Add Cells in Excel

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).
Use the AutoSum Button to Quickly Add Numbers
  • Excel will automatically insert the SUM function, highlighting the range it thinks you want to add.
Use the AutoSum Button to Quickly Add Numbers
  • 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.

Use the SUM Function to Add Numbers in Excel
  • 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.
Use the SUM Function to Add Numbers in Excel
  • 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 =30-15 and press Enter.
  • The result, 15, will appear in the cell.
Subtract Two or More Numbers in a Single 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.

Subtract Numbers Using Cell References in Excel
  • 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.
Subtract Numbers Using Cell References in Excel

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.
Multiply Numbers in a Single Cell in Excel

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.
How to Multiply Cells in Excel
  • 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
Multiplying Multiple Cells
  • 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.
Multiplying Multiple Cells

This will automatically apply the formula to the cells below.

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.
How to Divide in Excel
  • To divide one cell by another, type =A1/B1.
How to Divide in Excel

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