Unlock the Secret to Lightning-Fast Math: Here’s How to Multiply Numbers in Google Spreadsheets Like a Pro!
Are you tired of wasting time manually multiplying numbers in Google Spreadsheets? Do you want to learn a faster and more efficient way to perform this task? Look no further! In this article, we will reveal the secret to lightning-fast math in Google Spreadsheets and teach you how to multiply numbers like a pro.
The Traditional Method
Before we dive into the new method, let’s first review the traditional method of multiplying numbers in Google Spreadsheets. It involves typing the formula “=A1*B1” into a cell, where “A1” and “B1” are the cells containing the two numbers you want to multiply.
For example, if you wanted to multiply 5 by 6, you would type “=5*6” into a cell, which would return the result “30.”
This method works fine for small sets of numbers, but it becomes tedious and time-consuming for larger sets. What if you had to multiply 100 or even 1000 numbers together? That’s where our new method comes in.
The New Method
The new method involves using arrays in Google Spreadsheets. An array is a collection of values that are arranged in rows and columns. By using arrays, you can perform calculations on multiple values at once, saving you time and hassle.
To use arrays to multiply numbers in Google Spreadsheets, you need to follow these steps:
- Select the range of cells containing the two sets of numbers you want to multiply.
- Type the formula “=MMULT(A1:B2, D1:E2)” into the cell where you want the result to appear.
- Press “Enter.”
Let’s break down the formula. “A1:B2” and “D1:E2” are the ranges of cells containing the two sets of numbers you want to multiply. MMULT is a built-in function in Google Spreadsheets that multiplies matrices. By using MMULT, you can multiply two sets of numbers and return the result in a single cell.
For example, if you wanted to multiply the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6 together, you would select the range of cells A1:B2 and D1:E2, type the formula “=MMULT(A1:B2, D1:E2)” into a cell, and press “Enter.” The result would be 32, which is the sum of the products of each pair of corresponding numbers.
Conclusion
By using arrays and the “MMULT” function in Google Spreadsheets, you can multiply large sets of numbers in lightning-fast time. This method saves you time and eliminates the possibility of human error, making it a more efficient and accurate way of performing calculations.
So, don’t waste your time manually multiplying numbers in Google Spreadsheets anymore. Follow our tips and tricks, and start multiplying numbers like a pro!
This article explains how to use formulas to multiply numbers in Google Sheets.
What to Know
- Best method: Use cell references in formulas. For example, in a cell, type =A2B2 > Enter to multiply numbers in cells A2 and B2.Use numbers in formulas. For example, type =34 > Enter to multiply 3 times 4.Use an equal sign (=) at the beginning of all formulas. Use an asterisk (*) to indicate multiplication.
How to Work With Formulas In Google Sheets
The easiest way to multiply two numbers in Google Sheets is to create a formula in a worksheet cell. Here are some important points to remember about Google Sheets formulas:
- Formulas begin with the equal sign ( = ).The equal sign goes in the cell where you want the answer to appear.The multiplication operator is the asterisk ( * ).The formula is completed by pressing the Enter key on the keyboard.
Multiply Numbers in Google Sheets
The best way to see how multiplication works in Google Sheets is to try it out.
The terms formula and function are used interchangeably but are not the same. A formula is an expression that calculates the value of a cell. A function in Google Sheets is a predefined formula that makes complex calculations.
- Open Google Sheets, and select a cell.
- Enter the equal sign ( = ).
- Type a number.
- Enter the asterisk ( * ) to signify multiplication.
- Type the second number.
- Press Enter to see the result.
Use Cell References in Formulas
Even though entering numbers directly into a formula works, it’s not the best way to create formulas. The best way is to use cell references.
Open Google Sheets, and select a cell.
Enter the equal sign ( = ).
Type a number.
Enter the asterisk ( * ) to signify multiplication.
Type the second number.
Press Enter to see the result.
Cell references are variables that hold the data in the cells they reference. Use cell references to change data within cells on the fly, and to copy formulas across columns and rows to multiple different sets of data dynamically.
Cell references are a combination of the vertical column letter and the horizontal row number with the column letter always written first, for example, A1, D65, or Z987.
Cell Reference Advantages
Cell references identify the location of the data used in a formula. The program reads the cell references and then inserts the data in those cells into the appropriate place in the formula.
Using cell references rather than the actual data in a formula has benefits. Later, if the data needs to be changed, replace the data in the cells rather than rewrite the formula. The results of the formula update automatically when the data changes.
Multiplication Formula Example
Working with cell references isn’t much different than working with regular numbers. Start with an equal sign, enter the reference to the first cell, type an asterisk, then follow that with the second reference. To multiply A2 and B2 in cell C2, the finished formula in cell C2 is:
=A2*B2
To enter a multiplication formula:
- Enter the data.
- To follow along with this tutorial, enter the data shown in the image below. Your worksheet doesn’t need to be formatted exactly the same, but the numbers should be in the same cells as the example.
- Select cell C2 to make it the active cell—this is where the results of the formula will display.
- Type an equal sign (=).
- Select cell A2 to enter that cell reference into the formula. Or, type A2, if you prefer.
- Type an asterisk symbol ( * ).
- Select cell B2 to enter that cell reference.
- Press the Enter key on the keyboard to complete the formula.
- The answer appears in cell C2.
- Select cell C2 to display the formula =A2*B2 in the formula bar above the worksheet.
Change the Formula Data
To test the value of using cell references in a formula, change the number in cell A2 and press the Enter key. The answer in cell C2 automatically updates to reflect the change in data in cell A2.
Enter the data.
To follow along with this tutorial, enter the data shown in the image below. Your worksheet doesn’t need to be formatted exactly the same, but the numbers should be in the same cells as the example.
Select cell C2 to make it the active cell—this is where the results of the formula will display.
Type an equal sign (=).
Select cell A2 to enter that cell reference into the formula. Or, type A2, if you prefer.
Type an asterisk symbol ( * ).
Select cell B2 to enter that cell reference.
Press the Enter key on the keyboard to complete the formula.
The answer appears in cell C2.
Select cell C2 to display the formula =A2*B2 in the formula bar above the worksheet.
Change the Formula
If it becomes necessary to correct or change a formula, two of the best options are:
- Double-click the formula in the worksheet to place Google Sheets in Edit mode, then make changes to the formula. This works best for minor changes.Select the cell containing the formula and rewrite the formula. This is best for major changes.
Multiply Across Multiple Rows
When you work with cell references, you can copy a formula across multiple cells to apply it to multiple rows at once.
- Select the cell that contains the formula. In this example, select cell C2.
- Press Ctrl+C on Windows or Command+C on Mac to copy the data in the cell.
- Hold the handle (located in the lower-right corner of the selected cell) and drag to highlight the other cells in the same column as the formula (column C in this example).
- Press Ctrl+V on Windows or Command+V on Mac to paste the formula in the highlighted cells.
- The highlighted cells fill with multiplication results from the formula.
- Select one of the results cells to make sure the formula in the cell correctly references the corresponding cells in columns A and B. Google Sheets automatically updates to reference the correct row when pasting a formula.
Select the cell that contains the formula. In this example, select cell C2.
Press Ctrl+C on Windows or Command+C on Mac to copy the data in the cell.
Hold the handle (located in the lower-right corner of the selected cell) and drag to highlight the other cells in the same column as the formula (column C in this example).
Press Ctrl+V on Windows or Command+V on Mac to paste the formula in the highlighted cells.
The highlighted cells fill with multiplication results from the formula.
Select one of the results cells to make sure the formula in the cell correctly references the corresponding cells in columns A and B. Google Sheets automatically updates to reference the correct row when pasting a formula.
- How do I automatically add numbers in Google Sheets?
- The easiest way to add numbers together in Google Sheets is to select the cell you want the answer to appear in. Next, select Functions > SUM and then select the individual cells with numbers you want to add up.
- How do I sort numbers in Google Sheets?
- To sort numbers and other data in Google Sheets, you have a few options. Right-click any column and select Sort Sheet A to Z (or Z to A)to sort all columns in the sheet alphabetically and numerically. To sort a single column, select the top of the column and then select Data > Sort Range > Sort Range by Column (A to Z) or (Z to A).
The easiest way to add numbers together in Google Sheets is to select the cell you want the answer to appear in. Next, select Functions > SUM and then select the individual cells with numbers you want to add up.
To sort numbers and other data in Google Sheets, you have a few options. Right-click any column and select Sort Sheet A to Z (or Z to A)to sort all columns in the sheet alphabetically and numerically. To sort a single column, select the top of the column and then select Data > Sort Range > Sort Range by Column (A to Z) or (Z to A).
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