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Excel - Three ways to add numbers in Excel Online Tutorial

In this video, you will learn about three ways to add numbers in Excel Online.
The video covers selecting a set of numbers in rows or columns and using the AutoSum function to calculate totals.
It also demonstrates how to use the SUM function to add numbers in a sequence or range, including cells with text or blank cells.
These techniques will help you efficiently calculate totals and analyze data in Excel Online.

3:15
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Available in Microsoft365

Objectifs :

This document aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to effectively add numbers in a sales spreadsheet using Excel, highlighting various methods and their applications.

Chapitres :

Introduction to Adding Numbers in Excel
In this guide, we will explore three effective methods for adding numbers in a company sales spreadsheet. Understanding these techniques will help you analyze sales data efficiently and identify best-selling products.
Method 1: Using the Status Bar
The simplest way to add numbers is by selecting a range of numbers in rows or columns. Once selected, the total will automatically appear on the status bar at the bottom of the Excel window. This method provides a quick overview of the total without altering the spreadsheet.
Method 2: Using AutoSum for Yearly Totals
To calculate total sales for the year, follow these steps: - Select the first empty cell to the right of your data rows. - Click on the 'AutoSum' button, which is typically represented by the Greek letter sigma (Σ). - If you encounter a message indicating that the column is too narrow, simply double-click the right border of the column to expand its width. - Add a title to this new column for clarity. This method allows you to quickly sum up the product sales from each quarter.
Method 3: Calculating Quarterly Totals
To obtain quarterly totals: - Select the first empty cell below each column of data. - Click 'AutoSum' again and add a title to this new row of numbers. The advantage of using AutoSum is that it automatically recalculates totals if any underlying numbers change. For instance, if you correct a number, both the yearly and quarterly totals will update automatically.
Using the SUM Function for Complex Data
AutoSum works best with sequential numbers without blank cells or text. If your data includes blank cells or text, you should use the SUM function. Here’s how: 1. In an empty cell, type 'SUM(' followed by selecting the range of cells you want to add. 2. Drag your selection to include all relevant cells. 3. To add additional cells, type a comma, select the other cell, and then close the parenthesis. The SUM function can handle both sequential ranges and individual unconnected cells. Just like AutoSum, it updates automatically if any of the cells change.
Conclusion
In summary, mastering these methods for adding numbers in Excel will enhance your ability to manage and analyze sales data effectively. Whether using the status bar, AutoSum, or the SUM function, these tools will help you keep track of your sales performance and make informed business decisions.

FAQ :

What is AutoSum in Excel?

AutoSum is a feature in Excel that allows users to quickly calculate the sum of a range of cells. It automatically detects the numbers in adjacent cells and provides a total.

How do I use the SUM function?

To use the SUM function, type =SUM( in an empty cell, select the range of cells you want to add, and close the parentheses. You can also add individual cells by separating them with commas.

What should I do if my column is too narrow?

If your column is too narrow to display the numbers, you can double-click the right border of the column header to automatically adjust the width to fit the content.

Can AutoSum recalculate automatically?

Yes, AutoSum will automatically recalculate the total if any of the numbers in the selected range change.

What happens if there are blank cells in my range?

AutoSum works best with sequential numbers without blank cells. If there are blank cells or text, you should use the SUM function to include those cells in your calculations.

Quelques cas d'usages :

Sales Reporting

In a sales department, employees can use AutoSum to quickly calculate total sales for each quarter and the entire year, helping to identify best-selling products and track performance.

Budget Management

Finance teams can utilize the SUM function to aggregate expenses from various departments, even if some entries are not sequential, ensuring accurate budget tracking.

Data Analysis

Analysts can apply AutoSum to summarize large datasets, allowing for quick insights into trends and patterns without manually calculating totals.

Inventory Tracking

Inventory managers can use the SUM function to calculate total stock levels across different categories, even if some items are not listed in a continuous range.

Project Management

Project managers can leverage AutoSum to calculate total hours worked by team members on various tasks, facilitating better resource allocation and project planning.

Glossaire :

AutoSum

A feature in spreadsheet applications that automatically calculates the sum of a range of cells. It is often represented by the sigma (Σ) symbol.

SUM function

A mathematical function used in spreadsheets to add together a range of numbers. It can handle both sequential and non-sequential cells.

Spreadsheet

A digital document that organizes data in rows and columns, allowing for calculations, data analysis, and visualization.

Cell

The intersection of a row and a column in a spreadsheet, which can contain data, formulas, or functions.

Formula

An expression in a spreadsheet that performs calculations or operations on data, often starting with an equal sign (=).

Column

A vertical set of cells in a spreadsheet, typically identified by letters (A, B, C, etc.).

Row

A horizontal set of cells in a spreadsheet, typically identified by numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.).

Status bar

A section at the bottom of a spreadsheet application that displays information about the current state of the document, including calculations like sums.

00:00:09

Perhaps the easiest way is to select a set of numbers in rows or columns

00:00:15

and look for the sum of those numbers

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down here on the status bar.

00:00:23

Another way to add numbers in multiple rows or columns

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is to use AutoSum on the Home tab.

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I need to add the product sales from each quarter

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to find out the total sales for the year.

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That way I can see which item is our best-seller.

00:00:42

I select the first empty cells to the right of my rows of data.

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I click AutoSum.

00:00:52

Don't worry if you get a column of hashtag symbols,

00:00:55

that just means that your column is too narrow for your set of numbers.

00:00:59

Double-click the right border of your column to expand the width

00:01:05

and the sales numbers will appear.

00:01:09

I will add a title to this new column.

00:01:16

I can do the same thing to get my quarterly totals.

00:01:19

I select the first empty cells below each of my columns

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and click AutoSum

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and I'll add a title to this new row of numbers.

00:01:37

The nice thing about AutoSum is that it recalculates if you change numbers.

00:01:43

I have to correct this number and when I do,

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both the yearly total and the quarterly total update automatically,

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no need to fuss with formulas to recalculate.

00:01:58

AutoSum works best when you're working with only sequential numbers.

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No blank cells or text.

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If you need to add rows or columns containing blank or

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text cells, create a formula with the SUM function.

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A SUM function can add numbers whether the cells are in

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a sequence or range or just a bunch of individual unconnected cells.

00:02:25

I want to add these numbers plus the number in this cell.

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In an empty cell, I type the =, SUM

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and then opening parenthesis, then I select this cell

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and drag my selection to this cell.

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To add to this formula, I type a comma, select the other cell

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and then type a closing parenthesis.

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The sum function adds all the numbers in the range of cells

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in the individual cell I selected.

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And just like AutoSum, if any of the cells change,

00:03:06

the SUM function updates automatically.

00:03:10

Now you've got top tips for working in Excel web app.

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