Quickly Create Row or Column Totals in Excel

In Excel, if you have a series of rows or columns that you want to total, you can add up multiple rows or columns at the same time.

The SUM function is the most frequently used worksheet function, which calculates the total of all the cells in a specified range. It can be used to transform a complex formula such as =A2+A3+A4+A5+A6 into a more concise form =SUM(A2:A6).

Even more convenient is the AutoSum Button found on the Home or Formula Tabs on the Ribbon. Using the AutoSum Button, Excel types the function for you and even suggests the range of cells you might want to sum. If it highlights the wrong range, all you need to do is select the correct range using the mouse.

• As a single range, select the range of cells which contain the figures to be added up and the cells where the total figures should appear or you can just select the cells where the total figures are to appear
• Select the Home Tab on the Ribbon. (The AutoSum Button can also be found on the Formulas Tab)
• Click the AutoSum Button or press Alt + = on the keyboard
• A total for each row or column should appear