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Basic math in Excel
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Basic math in Excel

Basic math in Excel 2013

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Let Excel be your calculator. This video shows you how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in your workbook.

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Use AutoSum to sum numbers

Sum numbers by creating a formula

Let Excel be your calculator.

With a simple formula, Excel can perform calculations on numbers using operators, such as the + sign, and functions, such as SUM.

To add numbers, you use the + sign.

A formula always starts with an = sign.

If I, then, type a number, a + sign, another number, and then press Enter, the cell displays the results.

You can add many numbers this way, not just two.

Instead of typing numbers in a formula, you can reference cells that contain numbers to make adding a bit easier and more flexible.

A4 is equal to 6, A5 is equal to 3.

I'll create a formula that adds the cells.

As with all formulas, I start again with the = sign, click a cell, type a + sign, then another cell, and press Enter.

And if I change a number in a cell, the result of the formula automatically updates.

When you double-click a cell, you can see right in the cell if it is a formula, like A6, or a number, like A4, or you can click a cell and look up here in the Formula Bar.

Subtracting is similar to adding, except you use the - sign.

Click a cell, then a - sign, then another cell, and press Enter.

Multiplying is similar to adding or subtracting, except you use an *.

Don't use an X for multiplying; that won't work.

Click a cell, then an *, then another cell, and press Enter.

Dividing is similar to multiplying, except you use a /.

Click a cell, then a /, then another cell, and press Enter.

Up next, Using functions.

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