When it comes to calculating sums in Excel, there are several methods and operation steps to choose from. Each method is described in detail below, with corresponding examples:
Method 1: Use the sum function.
1.Select an empty cell, this is where you will display the sum. For example, select cell b1.
2.Enter this formula into the selected cell: =sum(numeric range). For example, if you want to calculate the sum in cells A1 to A5, you can enter: =sum(A1:A5).
3.Press Enter, and Excel will calculate and display the sum of the values within the specified range.
Example: Suppose a1 through a5 contain values and 30, respectively. You can enter =sum(a1:a5) in cell b1 and press enter. Excel will calculate the sum of these values (10+15+20+25+30=100) and display the result in cell B1 100.
Method 2: Use the autosum function.
1.In the empty cell below or to the right of the number you want to calculate the sum of, click the left mouse button to select the range of values you want to include in the sum calculation. For example, select cells A6 through A10.
2.In the ribbon of Excel, find it"Edit"tab, and then click"Automatic summing"Button. The button's icon is a Greek letter sigma (.)
3.Press enter, and Excel will display the sum in the selected cells.
Example: Suppose a6 through a10 contain numeric values and 20, respectively. You can click the left mouse button in cell A11 to select the range A6:A10 and then click"Automatic summing"Button. Excel will display the sum of these values (5+8+12+15+20=60) in cell A11.
Method 3: Use shortcut keys.
1.In the empty cell below or to the right of the number you want to calculate the sum of, click the left mouse button to select the range of values you want to include in the sum calculation. For example, select cells b2 through b6.
2.Press the Alt key and hold it, then press on your keyboard"="Key. This will insert a sum function in the selected cells and automatically include the selected range of values. For example, enter =sum(b2:b6).
Example: Suppose b2 through b6 contain numeric values and 15, respectively. You can hold down the Alt key in cell b7 and press at the same time"="key, and then release the keyboard, and Excel will automatically insert the sum function and include the range B2:B6. After pressing enter, Excel will display the sum of these values (3+6+9+12+15=45) in cell B7.
Method 4: Use drag to fill.
1.In the empty cell below or to the right of the number you want to calculate the sum of, enter the first number. For example, enter the numeric value 1 in cell C5.
2.With the cell selected, hover over the bottom right corner of the selected cell until the mouse pointer changes to a plus sign (+).
3.Hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse to select the range of values you want to include in the sum calculation. For example, drag the mouse to cell C5.
4.Release the left mouse button and Excel will display the sum in the selected cell.
Example: Suppose you enter the numeric value 5 in cell C1 and then drag your mouse to cell C5. Excel will display the sum of these numeric values (5+6+7+8+9=55) in cell C35.
These methods can all help you calculate the sum in Excel. No matter which method you choose, Excel will automatically calculate and display the sum of the specified range of values. Depending on your needs and personal preferences, simply choose the method that suits you.
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