To multiply in Excel, you use the asterisk symbol * in a formula. For example, =A1*B1 multiplies the value in cell A1 by the value in B1. Whether you’re working on budgets, sales forecasts, or product calculations, Excel makes multiplication easy. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to multiply in Excel and use helpful keyboard shortcuts across Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux 🎯💡.
⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts to Type Multiplication Symbol in Excel
Typing the multiplication symbol * is straightforward and works the same across all major platforms:
| Operating System | Shortcut / Symbol |
|---|---|
| Windows | Press Shift + 8 (standard asterisk *) |
| macOS | Press Shift + 8 |
| Ubuntu/Linux | Press Shift + 8 |
✅ The * symbol is located above the number 8 key on most keyboards.
🔢 Basic Excel Multiplication Formula
You can multiply two cells easily using this format:
=A1*B1
➡️ If A1 = 10 and B1 = 5, the result will be 50.
Or multiply constants directly:
=25*4
➡️ Result: 100
📌 This method also supports decimal numbers and percentages.
🧠 Multiply in Excel Across Multiple Cells
Multiplying Several Values Together:
=A1*B1*C1
Excel multiplies values from A1, B1, and C1 together in sequence.
Multiplying a Cell by a Constant Value:
=A2*10
Helpful when applying a fixed rate or price per unit.
🧾 Using Absolute References for Multiplication
If you want to multiply many rows by one fixed cell:
=A2*$B$1
The $ makes the reference to B1 constant when you copy the formula.
📚 Common Excel Functions That Include Multiplication
- PRODUCT() – Multiplies numbers directly:
=PRODUCT(A1:A3)➡️ Equivalent to=A1*A2*A3 - SUMPRODUCT() – Multiplies and sums arrays:
=SUMPRODUCT(A1:A3, B1:B3)➡️ Useful for weighted totals or cost calculations.
🎨 Format & Display Tips for Multiplication Results
- Use Number format with or without decimal places.
- Add Currency format if multiplying prices.
- Apply Conditional Formatting to highlight high or low results.
⚠️ Common Multiplication Mistakes in Excel
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
#VALUE! error | Text instead of numbers | Ensure all cells contain valid numeric data |
| Unexpected results | Cell format as text | Reformat as “Number” |
| Formula not calculating | Cell is in manual calculation mode | Press F9 or switch to automatic calculation |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I multiply values in Excel?
Use =A1*B1 or directly =10*5 for simple multiplication.
Can I multiply multiple cells together?
Yes. Use =A1*B1*C1 or =PRODUCT(A1:A3).
How do I multiply a cell by a constant value?
Use something like =A2*5 or =A2*$B$1 for fixed multiplication.
What if my multiplication returns an error?
Check that all involved cells contain numeric values.
Is there a function to multiply in Excel?
Yes. Use =PRODUCT(range) for basic multiplication or SUMPRODUCT() for more complex cases.
✅ Conclusion
Knowing how to multiply in Excel is essential for anyone working with data. From basic arithmetic to complex financial calculations, using the asterisk * symbol or Excel’s built-in functions like PRODUCT() ensures fast, accurate results. With easy keyboard shortcuts and support across Windows, macOS, and Linux, you can confidently multiply anything in your spreadsheets ✖️📈.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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