How to Multiply in Excel?

How to Multiply in Excel?

5 mins read1.8K Views Comment
Rashmi
Rashmi Karan
Manager - Content
Updated on Jun 14, 2023 12:11 IST

Learn how to multiply in Excel using different criteria. Understand through different examples.

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Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program that allows users to perform various calculations and data analysis tasks. One of the most basic functions in Excel is the ability to multiply numbers. This function is useful for various tasks, from calculating the cost of goods sold to determining the total revenue generated by a company.

If you are wondering what the formula for multiplication in Excel is, you must know there is no in-built formula. You can multiply in Excel by entering the comparison operator (=), then the first number, the asterisk (*), and the second number to be multiplied. Using this calculation, you can perform multiplication operations for a cell, row, or column. In this article, examples will teach you to use Excel multiply formula.

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Example 1 – How to Multiply Numbers in a Cell?

We can multiply numbers in the cells using the Asterisk function –

  • Open your spreadsheet and select any empty cell.
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  • Type an equal sign (=) in the cell, the first number, then the asterisk, and the next number you want to multiply. 
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  • Press β€œEnter”. You will see that Excel has presented the solution for your equation. 
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This is the simplest way to multiply in Excel. Now, let us move on to multiplication within a column in Excel.

  • To multiply columns in Excel, we will follow the above steps in the Result column, where we use the formula.

=A2*B2*C2

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  • Press Enter for the result and drag it lengthwise to fill in the rest of the column.
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Example 2 – Multiply a Column in Excel by a Constant Number

If you want to multiply each cell in a column of ten numbers by a number in another cell. In the below example, the number you want to multiply by is 5, contained in cell C2.

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  • In the Output column, use the formula –

 =A2*$B$2

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  • Drag the cell C2 and fill in the rest of the column. The formula will apply to all the cells showing the multiplication of multiple cells with one constant number.
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  • Using $ symbols tells Excel that our reference to B2 is β€œabsolute,”. This suggests that whenever you copy the formula to another cell or cell, the reference will remain the same: cell B2.  
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Example 3 – Multiply numbers using the (PRODUCT) function 

If you need to multiply multiple cells or ranges, the fastest method would be to use the PRODUCT function –

=PRODUCT (number1, [number2],…)

Where #1 , #2 , etc., are numbers, cells, or ranges you want to multiply.

For example, to multiply values ​​in cells B2, C2, use this formula:

=PRODUCT(B2:C2)

We have Number 1 and Number 2 in columns A and B, and we want to multiply the individual cells.

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  • Press Enter. The output is now visible in C2
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  • You can now drag and fill the rest of the column
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Example 4 – Multiply and Sum Using the SUMPRODUCT Function 

The SUMPRODUCT function in Excel allows multiplying the numbers of two columns or rows and summing up the output. The below example shows sales data for different departments, including pricing and units sold. We will calculate the total sales revenue that will appear in cell C14.

Example 4 - Multiply and Sum Using the SUMPRODUCT Function 
  • Apply the formula –

=SUMPRODUCT(B2:B13,C2:C13)

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  • Press enter to get the total sales from different departments.
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So the organization made sales revenues of β‚Ή 20,948,945.

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How To Multiply By Percentage In Excel

Let us consider an example where we have the sales data to multiply by 30%. Here is how to do it.

  • Enter the numbers you want to multiply by 30% into a column.
  • In an empty cell, enter the percentage of 30% (or 0.30), then copy that number using Ctrl-C.
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  • Now select the range (A1:A12) by dragging down the column.
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  • Right-click the selected cells and click Paste Special.

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  • Click Values > Multiply, then click OK.

As a result, all the numbers are multiplied by 30%.

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  • Press Ok. We now have the 30% of the given data.
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We hope you find this article on how to multiply in Excel useful. Keep learning!


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FAQs

What is the formula for multiplication in Excel?

There is no designated formula for multiplication in Excel. However, we can use an asterisk to write a formula that multiplies two numbers. To multiply 5x10, for example, type =5*10. Another way to multiply two or multiple numbers is by using the =PRODUCT function, where you can apply the formula =PRODUCT (number1, [number2],) to get the desired output.

How do you multiply a range by a number in Google Sheets?

Just like Microsoft Excel, you can use an asterisk sign in Google Sheets and multiply two or more cells. Asterisk is the multiplication operator that needs to be placed between the two values you want to multiply.

How do you multiply on Excel with multiple cells?

To multiply numbers in a single cell, we can follow the following steps - Select a cell; Type =; Click in the cell that contains the first number you want to multiply; Type * (Asterisk); Click the second cell you want to multiply; Press Enter.

How do you multiply all cells by a number in sheets?

To multiply all cells by a number in sheets - Select your active cell; Type =; Type MULTIPLY followed by a parenthesis; Enter the first number to be multiplied; Add a comma; Enter the second number to be multiplied; Add a closing parenthesis (not mandatory); Press Enter.

How to multiply two different columns in Excel?

To multiply two different columns in Excel, you just have to execute the following steps: Insert the columns and rows you need to start performing the operations. Leave a column to calculate the results; Select a cell where you want to get the first result. Type the equal sign = followed by PRODUCT and open parentheses; Click on the first value of the first column and slide the cursor to the second column; Press Enter.

About the Author
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Rashmi Karan
Manager - Content

Rashmi is a postgraduate in Biotechnology with a flair for research-oriented work and has an experience of over 13 years in content creation and social media handling. She has a diversified writing portfolio and aim... Read Full Bio