How to multiply columns in Excel

Microsoft Excel excels at numerical manipulation, offering various methods for basic and complex calculations. This tutorial builds upon our previous lesson on multiplying individual cells, focusing on efficiently multiplying entire columns.

- Multiplying Two Columns in Excel

• Using the Multiplication Symbol (*)
• Employing the PRODUCT Function
• Utilizing Array Formulas
• Multiplying a Column by a Constant Value
  • Formula-Based Multiplication
  • Leveraging Paste Special
  • Using Ultimate Suite for Excel

Multiplying Two Columns in Excel

Excel provides multiple approaches for column multiplication. We'll explore three effective solutions.

Multiplication with the * Operator

The simplest method uses the multiplication operator (*).

1. In the first row (assuming data starts in row 2, with columns B and C to be multiplied), enter the formula =B2*C2 in cell D2.
2. Double-click the small square at the bottom right of D2 to auto-fill the formula down the column. Relative cell references ensure the formula adjusts for each row (e.g., D3 becomes =B3*C3).

Multiplication with the PRODUCT Function

For a function-based approach, use the PRODUCT function. For our example, the formula in D2 would be =PRODUCT(B2:C2). Again, auto-fill down the column using the bottom-right square.

Multiplication with Array Formulas

Array formulas provide a concise way to multiply entire columns.

1. Select the output range (e.g., D2:D5).
2. Enter the formula =B2:B5*C2:C5 in the formula bar.
3. Press Ctrl Shift Enter. Excel will enclose the formula in curly braces {}, indicating an array formula. Do not manually type the braces.

This multiplies corresponding values in columns B and C for each row.

This method protects against accidental formula modification.

Multiplying Multiple Columns

Extending these methods to multiple columns is straightforward. For columns B, C, and D, use:

• Multiplication operator: =B2*C2*D2
• PRODUCT function: =PRODUCT(B2:D2)
• Array formula (Ctrl Shift Enter): =B2:B5*C2:C5*D2:D5

Multiplying a Column by a Constant

To multiply a column by a single number, use these techniques:

Formula-Based Multiplication

1. Enter the constant in a cell (e.g., 11% or 0.11 in B1).
2. In the first cell of the output column (e.g., C4), enter =B4*$B$1. The $ creates an absolute reference to B1.
3. Auto-fill down the column.

Paste Special Multiplication

For results as values, not formulas:

1. Copy the column to be multiplied.
2. Enter the constant in a cell (e.g., B1).
3. Select the copied cells.
4. Use the shortcut Ctrl Alt V, then M (or Paste Special > Multiply).

Ultimate Suite for Excel

Ultimate Suite offers a user-friendly interface for this operation. Select the cells, choose the multiplication operation and constant value within the Ultimate Suite interface, and click "Calculate."

Downloadable Resources:

Excel Multiply Columns - formula examples (.xlsx file) Ultimate Suite - 14-day trial version (.exe file)

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