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Using AutoSum

 

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AutoSum

Because many of the calculations performed in Excel are sums, Excel provides an AutoSum button on the standard toolbar.  This will be they way you will create the majority of your formulas.

To use AutoSum:

  1. Select the cell that will display the results of the formula’s calculation.

  2. Click the AutoSum button  once.

  3. Excel will draw a marquee around the cells it proposes to sum.  If these are not the correct cells, use the mouse to click and drag across the correct range of cells.

  4. Note: cell ranges are described by the first cell address in the range, a colon and the last cell address in the range.  For example, B4:E4

  5. Press enter to accept the formula.

Sum formulas are written using the Sum function: =SUM(B4:E4)  The formula starts with the = sign.  The name of the function (operation) is followed by parentheses enclosing the range of cells.

Other Functions

The AutoSum button can be used to create other types of formulas by replacing the SUM function with other function names.  Some of the more commonly used functions are listed below.  For an exhaustively complete list, click here.

NOW

Returns the current date and time
TODAY Returns today's date
SUM Add the mathematical arguments
AVERAGE Return an average of the selected values
COUNT Returns a tally of selected numerical values
COUNTA returns a tally of selected items, both text and numerical
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