[ad_1]
You can perform many different mathematical operations in Google Sheets, including adding numbers. You can add numbers in columns or rows, or even numbers in different cells. This is how you do it.
Add numbers in a single cell
You can quickly add numbers in a single cell using the =#+# formula. For example, if you wanted to get the sum of 2 + 2, you would enter:
=2+2
Press Enter to return the result.
That’s all about it!
Add Numbers in a Single Column or Row Using the SUM Function
You can quickly get the sum of numbers in a single row or column using the SUM function. Let’s say we want to get the sum of the numbers in cells A2 through A6. First, select the cell you would like to calculate the sum on, and enter this formula:
=SUM(A2:A6)
This function tells Google Sheets that you want to get the sum of the numbers from A2 to A6. Be sure to use a colon (:) between the cell numbers. If you use a hyphen (-) which is often used to describe “everything in between”, Google Sheets will subtract the input cells instead.
Once you have entered the correct formula, press Enter and the result will appear.
Similarly, you can add the numbers in a row by taking a similar approach. Let’s say that instead of adding the numbers in Column A, we want to add the numbers in Row 2 (A2 to E2). Select the cell you want to calculate the sum in, and then enter this formula:
=SUM(A2:E2)
Press Enter to display the results.
Add Numbers from Multiple Columns or Rows Using the SUM Function
You don’t have to re-enter the formula multiple times. If you want to quickly get the sum of multiple rows or columns, you can enter the formula once and then use the drag and drop method to quickly get the results.
First, enter the SUM function in the cell to get the sum of the first row (or column). So if you want to get the sum of cells A2 to C2, you need to enter:
=SUM(A2:C2)
Press Enter to get the result. Then just click on the bottom right corner of the cell and drag it down. Google Sheets will automatically update the SUM formula for each row (or column).
Add the numbers from different cells using the SUM function
You can get the sum of cell numbers in different columns and rows just by replacing the colon (:) with a comma (,) in the SUM formula.
For example, if you want to get the sum of cells A2, B3, C5 and D4, you would enter:
=SUM(A2,B3,C5,D4)
Press Enter to get the result.
Google does the hard work for you
If you just need a quick answer and don’t really have time to enter a formula, Google gets it. All you need to do is highlight the cells you want to get the sum for by clicking and dragging over them.
Once selected, Google Sheets adds them automatically. Just take a look at the bottom right corner of the window!
Clean, right?
Google Sheets is a fantastic tool for these basic math operations. In addition to adding, you can also subtract, multiply, and divide numbers. Who needs a calculator?
RELATED: 9 Basic Google Sheets Features You Should Know
[ad_2]
