Multiplying in Excel 2013 is a task that can be swiftly accomplished by using simple formulas. To multiply two numbers, you will need to type an equals sign (=), followed by the numbers you want to multiply, separated by an asterisk (). For instance, to multiply 5 by 3, you would input =53 into a cell and press Enter. You will then see the result, which in this case is 15, displayed in the cell.
After you complete the multiplication, the cell will display the product of the numbers you multiplied. You can use this result in other calculations or as part of a larger data analysis.
Introduction
Excel is a powerful tool that can be used for a multitude of tasks – from organizing data to complex financial modeling. But sometimes, it’s the simple things that can trip us up, like how to multiply numbers. It might seem straightforward, but for those new to Excel or who don’t use it frequently, figuring out how to multiply in Excel 2013 can feel like a daunting task.
Multiplying in Excel is crucial for a wide range of activities, from calculating expenses in a budget to determining sales figures. Whether you’re a student working on a math assignment, a small business owner trying to tally up your profits, or an analyst crunching numbers, knowing how to multiply in Excel 2013 can save you time and help you work more efficiently. Excel makes it easy to perform multiplication on large datasets, eliminating the need to manually calculate each figure. So, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of multiplying in Excel 2013!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Multiply in Excel 2013
Before we get into the steps, it’s important to note that by following these instructions, you’ll be able to perform multiplication on single cells, multiple cells, and even entire columns or rows.
Step 1: Open Excel 2013 and select a cell
Click on a cell where you want the product of the multiplication to appear.
The cell you select is where the result of your multiplication will show up. It’s like picking the stage where the magic of multiplication will happen!
Step 2: Type the multiplication formula
Type = followed by the numbers you want to multiply, separated by asterisks.
For example, if you want to multiply 4 and 5, you’d type =4*5. Remember, the equals sign tells Excel that you’re giving it a formula to work out.
Step 3: Press Enter
After typing the formula, press the Enter key to execute the multiplication.
Once you press Enter, the cell will display the product. It’s like saying "Abracadabra!" and having the trick reveal itself.
Step 4: Multiply multiple cells
To multiply values from different cells, type = followed by the cell references separated by asterisks.
For instance, if you have numbers in cells A1 and B1 that you want to multiply, type =A1*B1. This way, Excel knows you’re referring to the values in those specific cells.
Step 5: Copy the formula
If you need to multiply multiple pairs of numbers, copy the formula by dragging the fill handle over other cells.
This is a handy trick when you have a lot of multiplications to do. It’s like cloning your formula, so you don’t have to type it over and over again.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Speed | Multiplying in Excel is much faster than doing it by hand, especially with large datasets. |
| Accuracy | Excel reduces the likelihood of errors that can occur when multiplying manually. |
| Versatility | Excel can handle simple and complex multiplication tasks, making it useful for various scenarios. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Some may find it tricky to learn Excel’s formulas and functions at first. |
| Over-reliance | Relying too much on Excel can lead to a decrease in basic math skills. |
| Error Propagation | Mistakes in formulas can be replicated across large datasets if not caught early. |
Additional Information
While the steps above cover the basics of multiplying in Excel 2013, there’s more to it if you want to harness the full power of Excel’s capabilities. For example, did you know that you can multiply entire columns or rows with just a few clicks? Or that you can use the PRODUCT function to multiply a series of numbers or ranges? Excel 2013 also allows you to incorporate multiplication into more complex formulas, combining it with other functions for more advanced calculations.
Another great feature is the ability to format the results of your multiplication. You can choose how many decimal places to display, whether to separate thousands with commas, or even to display the results in currency format. It’s also possible to apply conditional formatting to highlight certain results, like values above a specific threshold. Keep in mind that multiplying in Excel 2013 is just one of many functions available to you in this versatile program.
Summary
- Open Excel 2013 and select a cell.
- Type the multiplication formula.
- Press Enter.
- Multiply values from different cells.
- Copy the formula to other cells if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the symbol for multiplication in Excel?
The symbol for multiplication in Excel is the asterisk (*).
Can I multiply more than two numbers in a single formula?
Yes, you can multiply as many numbers as you want in a single formula by separating them with asterisks.
What if I want to multiply numbers in a range of cells?
You can use the PRODUCT function to multiply numbers in a range. For example, =PRODUCT(A1:A5) would multiply all the numbers in cells A1 through A5.
Can I use the multiplication formula to multiply columns and rows?
Yes, by using cell references in your formula, you can multiply values across columns and rows.
What happens if I make a mistake in the formula?
If there’s an error in the formula, Excel usually shows an error message. You can then go back and correct the formula.
Conclusion
Excel 2013 is more than just a spreadsheet program; it’s a powerhouse for handling data and performing calculations. Multiplying in Excel 2013 may seem like a fundamental skill, but it’s one of the essential building blocks for anyone looking to use Excel efficiently. Whether you’re working with financial data, analytics, or classroom assignments, the ability to multiply quickly and accurately can streamline your workflow and provide you with valuable insights.
Remember, the key to mastering multiplication in Excel 2013 is understanding and using formulas correctly. Once you’ve got a handle on the basics, you’ll find there’s a whole world of possibilities at your fingertips. Happy multiplying!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.