How to Add Numbers in Microsoft Excel – How-To Geek

To add numbers in Microsoft Excel, you can use simple mathematical formulas or the AutoSum feature. Here’s how to do it:

Method 1: Using Formulas

1. Open Microsoft Excel: Launch Microsoft Excel and open the workbook that contains the numbers you want to add.
2. Select the Cell for the Result: Click on the cell where you want the sum to appear. For example, if you want the sum in cell C1, click on cell C1.
3. Type the Formula: In the formula bar (located above the worksheet), type the following formula to add the numbers:
   =SUM(range)


   Replace “range” with the cell references or a range of cells that you want to add. For example, if you want to add the numbers in cells A1, A2, and A3, the formula would be:

   =SUM(A1:A3)


   If you want to add numbers that are not in a continuous range, you can list the cell references separated by commas. For example:

   =SUM(A1, B1, C1)

4. Press Enter: After typing the formula, press the Enter key on your keyboard. Excel will calculate and display the sum in the selected cell.

Method 2: Using AutoSum

1. Open Microsoft Excel: Launch Microsoft Excel and open the workbook that contains the numbers you want to add.
2. Select the Cell for the Result: Click on the cell where you want the sum to appear. For example, if you want the sum in cell C1, click on cell C1.
3. Click on AutoSum: In the Home tab of the Excel ribbon, locate the “Editing” group. Click on the “AutoSum” button (Σ) in the toolbar.
4. Excel will automatically try to guess the range to sum: It will select the contiguous cells above the selected cell as the range to sum. If Excel’s guess is correct, press Enter to calculate and display the sum. If not, click and drag to select the correct range, and then press Enter.

With these methods, you can easily add numbers in Excel. Whether you prefer using formulas for more control or the AutoSum feature for a quick solution, Excel provides various ways to perform mathematical calculations on your data.