If you work with Excel, you probably need to calculate the sum of a column or row of numbers frequently. You can use the SUM function to do this, but typing the formula can be tedious and error-prone. Fortunately, Excel has a built-in feature called AutoSum that can automatically enter the SUM formula for you with just a few clicks. We will show you how to use AutoSum in Excel to calculate totals quickly and easily.
What is AutoSum in Excel?
AutoSum is a button on the Home tab and the Formulas tab that inserts a SUM function in a cell. The SUM function adds up all the numbers in a range of cells and returns the result. AutoSum can save you time and effort by selecting the range of cells for you based on your current selection. You can also modify the range manually if needed.
How to use AutoSum in Excel?
To use AutoSum in Excel, just follow these 3 easy steps:
- Select a cell next to the numbers you want to sum: To sum a column, select the cell immediately below the last value in the column. To sum a row, select the cell to the right of the last value in the row.
- Click AutoSum on the Home tab or the Formulas tab, or press Alt + = on your keyboard. Excel will automatically enter a SUM function in the cell and highlight the range of cells to be summed.
- Press Enter to confirm the formula and get the total. You can also edit the formula or change the range if needed.
Tips and tricks for using AutoSum in Excel
Here are some tips and tricks for using AutoSum in Excel which you may find useful:
- You can sum multiple columns or rows at once by selecting more than one cell before clicking AutoSum. Excel will insert a SUM function for each column or row in your selection.
- You can sum non-adjacent ranges by selecting them while holding down Ctrl before clicking AutoSum. Excel will insert a SUM function with multiple arguments separated by commas.
- Use SUBTOTAL instead of SUM to sum filtered data. To do this, select a cell in the column or the first empty cell below the filtered range, click AutoSum, and then change SUM to SUBTOTAL in the formula. The SUBTOTAL function will ignore hidden rows and only sum visible values.
- Sum across worksheets by selecting a cell in each worksheet while holding down Shift before clicking AutoSum. Excel will insert a 3D reference that includes all the selected worksheets.
