OK – so we can add the numbers in two cells together which is a good start.
Let’s say we want to add together a whole row of numbers. One way to do it would be to write a long formula – something like “=A1+A2+A3+A4+A5″. But that’s a right pain!
That’s why Excel has the “Auto Sum” button – it looks like this:
Try it out by entering a list of numbers that you want to add together in different cells one below the other – say A1-A4. Now highlight the cell below your list (in this case A5) press the Auto Sum button and hit enter. Excel will automatically add up the list of numbers by adding a formula to the cell. If you look in the formula bar, you’ll now see “=SUM(A1:A4)”.
Auto Sum also lets you add together numbers from a wider area. To do this, highlight the cell you want the result to appear in and press Auto Sum again. Now, instead of hitting return straight away, click your mouse cursor on another cell and drag to select a range of cells. Once you’ve selected the area you want to add up, hit return and Excel will write the formula for you.
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Tip: A quick way to write any equation rather than having to type in every cell, is to select the cells you want with the mouse.
To try this out, type “=” into a blank cell, which from now on will hold your equation, and then click on a cell with a number in it. When you have highlighted this, press “+”. You will then see that this has been added to your formula bar. Now click on another cell with the mouse and see that Excel adds the cell reference to the formula. You can keep adding “+” and more cells as much as you like. When you’re done, simply hit enter to finish the formula.
Once you have mastered these skills you will be ready to attend our Advanced Excel Training Course, and really advanced might want to try VBA for Excel in Brighton, Sussex.
