How to add numbers in Excel – 5 easy methods

Here are five easy methods!

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If you want to learn how to add numbers in Excel, we’ve got you covered.

Excel is all about sorting data, and there can be times when you’re dealing with a lot of numbers. In these situations, you may need to add numbers for some purpose. If you’re new to Excel, you may find the process of adding numbers in Excel a bit tricky. However, it is actually quite easy, and there are multiple ways to do it.

In this guide, we will talk about how to add numbers in Excel and will share a total of five methods that can help you save a lot of time.

1

How to add numbers with the = symbol

The first, and most basic, method of adding numbers in Excel is by using the = symbol.

Step

1

Select a cell

First, select a cell and type “=” in it.

Step

2

Type the numbers and press enter

Next, type the numbers (=23+11), and press Enter.

Learn how to add numbers in Excel

2

How to add numbers from different cells

If you want to add numbers from different cells, here are the steps you need to follow.

Step

1

Select an empty cell

Select an empty cell. This will be the one where the results will appear.

Step

2

Type the cells and press enter

Next, type “=” in the cells and this time, instead of typing numbers, type the cells. For example, type =D2+D3 and press Enter.

Learn how to add numbers from different cells in Excel

3

How to add numbers using SUM function

The SUM function allows you to select cells instead of typing numbers, and here’s how you can use it.

Step

1

Use the SUM formula

First, select a cell, an empty one, and type =SUM. Next, add a bracket after it and then type the cell numbers. It should look like this:

Learn how to add numbers using SUM function in Excel

Once done, press Enter, and the numbers within the selected cells with get added.

4

How to add numbers using AutoSUM

AutoSUM is a great way to add numbers, as it lets you do it with just a click of a button.

Step

1

Select the cells

First, select cells containing numbers. You can either select rows or columns, as the AutoSUM feature works with both of them.

Step

2

Click on AutoSum

Now, go to the Home tab, and click on AutoSUM.

A screenshot of the autosum button in Microsoft Excel, used to quickly add numbers.

Once done, the numbers will get added, and the result will either appear below the cells or on the right side (if you were adding a row of numbers).

Learn how to calculate the number of days worked in Excel by using formulas to add numbers in the spreadsheet.

5

How to add numbers using SUMIF function

This method is meant for complex situations, where you want to set a certain criteria.

Step

1

Select an empty cell

First, select an empty cell and type =SUMIF.

Step

2

Complete the formula

Now, you need to type the cells you need to add, and then select a criteria. For instance, we want to add the numbers from D2 to D6. However, we only want to add numbers that are less than 9. So we will type =SUMIF(D2:D6,”<9″).

Learn how to add numbers using SUMIF function in Excel

Once done, press Enter, and this will be the result.

Learn how to add numbers using SUMIF function in Excel

As you can see, Excel added every number, but ignored 11 as it was greater than 9.

Conclusion

This was everything you needed to know about how to add numbers in Excel. As you can see for yourself, the process of adding numbers is pretty simple, and you’ll be able to do it quickly once you get the hang of everything. We shared a total of five methods, and each can prove to be useful in a different kind of situation.

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Kevin is the Editor of PC Guide. He has a broad interest and enthusiasm for consumer electronics, PCs and all things consumer tech - and more than 15 years experience in tech journalism.