Math is easier when you depend on Excel. Gone are the days when you have to reach for your calculator when you start to lean on spreadsheets instead. This tutorial will teach you how to add cells in Excel for perfect math, every time.
How to Add Cells in Excel
Let’s start off with a simple example to sum up several cells in Excel. In our example, we’re going to use the =SUM function. You can type in the formula, then type in a series of cells (separated by commas) to create a sum of the selected cells.
Check out the example below that points to three cells in an Excel spreadsheet:
Use commas to separate cells in your addition formulas. It’s a simple way to add cells, even if they aren’t near one another.
You can also sum up numbers right inside a formula for simple addition. Here’s an example to try:
=SUM(55,22,14)
How to Add Adjacent Cells in Excel
Often times, your spreadsheet will feature a list of cells next to one another, meaning that they’re adjacent. There are easier ways to add cells in Excel when they’re adjacent.
With an ordered list of data, try out this way of adding cells in Excel. Type in =SUM, then highlight a series of cells in a column. You can click and drag to choose the cells to include in your SUM function. Everything in a continuous range will automatically be added to your formula, as you can see below.
Of course, you can mix and match these formulas. Try a formula like this to sum up a list of data, plus:
=SUM(55,22,14)+SUM(H13:H17)
Before you reach for your calculator, consider opening Excel instead. Use the two functions you learned in this article for perfect additive math, every single time.
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