Excel isnβt just for data storageβitβs a powerful calculator! π‘ Whether you’re calculating totals, averages, or percentages, mastering basic arithmetic operations is essential.
In this guide, weβll break down how to use:
β
Addition (+)
β
Subtraction (-)
β
Multiplication (*)
β
Division (/)
…and some bonus Excel tricks to speed up your calculations! π―
π No need for a calculator anymoreβExcel does the math for you!
π₯οΈ How to Perform Arithmetic Operations in Excel?
In Excel, all formulas start with an equals sign (=). This tells Excel to perform a calculation instead of treating the entry as text.
β 1. Addition in Excel (+)
Formula:
π =Number1 + Number2
Example:
To add 10 and 20, type this in a cell:
=10 + 20
πΉ Press Enter β Excel will display 30 π
π Real-World Example: Adding sales values:
If A1 = 1000 and B1 = 500, enter:
π =A1 + B1 β 1500
π₯ Watch this tutorial on Addition in Excel:
π Excel Addition Guide
β 2. Subtraction in Excel (-)
Formula:
π =Number1 – Number2
Example:
To subtract 50 from 100, type:
=100 – 50
πΉ Press Enter β Excel will show 50 β
π Real-World Example: Calculating profit:
If Total Revenue (A2) = $5000 and Expenses (B2) = $3000, enter:
π =A2 – B2 β $2000 (Profit)
π₯ Watch how to subtract in Excel:
π Excel Subtraction Guide
βοΈ 3. Multiplication in Excel (*)
Formula:
π =Number1 * Number2
Example:
To multiply 8 by 5, type:
=8 * 5
πΉ Press Enter β Excel returns 40 β
π Real-World Example: Calculating total cost:
If A3 = 10 (items) and B3 = 25 (price per item), enter:
π =A3 * B3 β 250 (Total Cost)
π₯ Watch Multiplication in Excel:
π Excel Multiplication Guide
β 4. Division in Excel (/)
Formula:
π =Number1 / Number2
Example:
To divide 100 by 5, type:
=100 / 5
πΉ Press Enter β Excel shows 20 β
π Real-World Example: Finding the price per unit:
If Total Bill (A4) = $200 and No. of People (B4) = 4, enter:
π =A4 / B4 β $50 per person
π₯ Watch Division in Excel:
π Excel Division Guide
π Bonus: Quick AutoSum Trick for Addition!
Instead of manually typing formulas, use AutoSum (Ξ£) for quick calculations!
β How to use AutoSum?
1οΈβ£ Click on the cell below the numbers you want to add
2οΈβ£ Press Alt + = (or click AutoSum Ξ£ in the toolbar)
3οΈβ£ Press Enter β Excel adds everything instantly! π
π₯ See AutoSum in action:
π AutoSum in Excel
π Final Thoughts
Mastering basic arithmetic in Excel will save you tons of time β³ and make number-crunching a breeze! π―
π Next Steps:
πΉ Want to learn Excel formulas? Check out this guide
πΉ Need help with percentage calculations? Watch this video
π’ What Excel formula do you use most often? Drop a comment below! π¬π