How to multiply cells in Excel with formula examples

The tutorial explains how to multiply in Excel by using the multiplication symbol and functions, how to create a formula for multiplying cells, ranges or entire columns, how to multiply and sum, and more.

While there is no universal multiplication formula in Excel, there exist a few different ways to multiply numbers and cells. The below examples will teach you how to write a formula best suited for your specific task.

Multiply in Excel by using multiplication operator

The easiest way to do multiplication in Excel is by using the multiply symbol (*). With this approach, you can quickly multiply numbers, cells, entire columns and rows.

How to multiply numbers in Excel

To make the simplest multiplication formula in Excel, type the equals sign (=) in a cell, then type the first number you want to multiply, followed by an asterisk, followed by the second number, and hit the Enter key to calculate the formula.

For example, to multiply 2 by 5, you type this expression in a cell (with no spaces): =2*5

As shown in the screenshot below, Excel allow performing different arithmetic operations within one formula. Just remember about the order of calculations (PEMDAS): parentheses, exponentiation, multiplication or division whichever comes first, addition or subtraction whichever comes first.
Multiplying numbers in Excel

How to multiply cells in Excel

To multiply two cells in Excel, use a multiplication formula like in the above example, but supply cell references instead of numbers. For example, to multiply the value in cell A2 by the value in B2, type this expression:

=A2*B2

To multiply multiple cells, include more cell references in the formula, separated by the multiplication sign. For example:

=A2*B2*C2
Multiplying cells in Excel

How to multiply columns in Excel

To multiply two columns in Excel, write the multiplication formula for the topmost cell, for example:

=A2*B2

After you've put the formula in the first cell (C2 in this example), double-click the small green square in the lower-right corner of the cell to copy the formula down the column, up to the last cell with data:
Multiplying two columns in Excel

Due to the use of relative cell references (without the $ sign), our Excel multiply formula will adjust properly for each row:
A formula to multiply columns in Excel

In my opinion, this is the best but not the only way to multiply one column by another. You can learn other approaches in this tutorial: How to multiply columns in Excel.

How to multiply rows in Excel

Multiplying rows in Excel is a less common task, but there is a simple solution for it too. To multiply two rows in Excel, just do the following:

  1. Insert a multiplication formula in the first (leftmost) cell.

    In this example, we multiply values in row 1 by the values in row 2, beginning with column B, so our formula goes as follows: =B1*B2

  2. Select the formula cell, and hover the mouse cursor over a small square at the lower right-hand corner until it changes to a thick black cross.
  3. Drag that black cross rightward over the cells where you want to copy the formula.
    Multiplying rows in Excel

As with multiplying columns, the relative cell references in the formula change based on a relative position of rows and columns, multiplying a value in row 1 by a value in row 2 in each column:
A formula to multiply two rows in Excel

Multiply function in Excel (PRODUCT)

If you need to multiply multiple cells or ranges, the fastest method would be using the PRODUCT function:

PRODUCT(number1, [number2], …)

Where number1, number2, etc. are numbers, cells or ranges that you want to multiply.

For example, to multiply values in cells A2, B2 and C2, use this formula:

=PRODUCT(A2:C2)

To multiply the numbers in cells A2 through C2, and then multiply the result by 3, use this one:

=PRODUCT(A2:C2,3)

The screenshot below shows these multiplication formulas in Excel:
Using the Product function to multiply cells

How to multiply by percentage in Excel

To multiply percentages in Excel, do a multiplication formula in this way: type the equals sign, followed by the number or cell, followed by the multiply sign (*), followed by percentage.

In other words, make a formula similar to these:

  • To multiply a number by percentage: =50*10%
  • To multiply a cell by percentage: =A1*10%

Instead of percentages, you can multiply by a corresponding decimal number. For example, knowing that 10 percent is 10 parts of a hundred (0.1), use the following expression to multiply 50 by 10%: =50*0.1

As shown in the screenshot below, all three expressions yield the same result:
Formulas to multiply a cell or number by percentage

How to multiply a column by a number in Excel

To multiply a column of numbers by the same number, proceed with these steps:

  1. Enter the number to multiply by in some cell, say in A2.
  2. Write a multiplication formula for the topmost cell in the column.

    Assuming the numbers to be multiplied are in column C, beginning in row 2, you put the following formula in D2:

    =C2*$A$2

    It is important that you lock the column and row coordinates of the cell with the number to multiply by to prevent the reference from changing when you copy the formula to other cells. For this, type the $ symbol before the column letter and row number to make an absolute reference ($A$2). Or, click on the reference and press the F4 key to change it to absolute.

  3. Double-click the fill handle in the formula cell (D2) to copy the formula down the column. Done!

As you can see in the screenshot below, C2 (relative reference) changes to C3 when the formula is copied to row 3, while $A$2 (absolute reference) remains unchanged:
A formula to multiply a column by a number

If the design of your worksheet does not allow an additional cell to accommodate the number, you can supply it directly in the formula, e.g.: =C2*3

You can also use the Paste Special > Multiply feature to multiply a column by a constant number and get the results as values rather than formulas. Please check out this example for the detailed instructions.

How to multiply and sum in Excel

In situations when you need to multiply two columns or rows of numbers, and then add up the results of individual calculations, use the SUMPRODUCT function to multiply cells and sum products.

Supposing you have prices in column B, quantity in column C, and you want to calculate the total value of sales. In your math class, you'd multiply each Price/Qty. pair individually and add up the sub-totals.

In Microsoft Excel, all these calculations can be done with a single formula:

=SUMPRODUCT(B2:B5,C2:C5)

If you wish, you can check the result with this calculation:

=(B2*C2)+(B3*C3)+(B4*C4)+(B5*C5)

And make sure the SUMPRODUCT formula multiplies and sums perfectly:
A formula to multiply and sum in Excel

Multiplication in array formulas

In case you want to multiply two columns of numbers, and then perform further calculations with the results, do multiplication within an array formula.

In the above data set, another way to calculate the total value of sales is this:

=SUM(B2:B5*C2:C5)

This Excel Sum Multiply formula is equivalent to SUMPRODUCT and returns exactly the same result (please see the screenshot below).

Taking the example further, let's find an average of sales. For this, just use the AVERAGE function instead of SUM:

=AVERAGE(B2:B5*C2:C5)

To find the largest and smallest sale, use the MAX and MIN functions, respectively:

=MAX(B2:B5*C2:C5)

=MIN(B2:B5*C2:C5)

To complete an array formula properly, be sure to press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter combination instead of Enter stroke. As soon as you do this, Excel will enclose the formula in {curly braces}, indicating it's an array formula.

The results might look something similar to this:
Using multiplication in array formulas

That's how you multiply in Excel, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out :) To have a closer look at the formulas discussed in this tutorial, feel free to download our sample Excel Multiplication workbook.

How to quickly do any calculations in Excel

If you are a novice to Excel and are not comfortable with multiplication formulas yet, our Ultimate Suite will make things a lot easier for you. Among 70+ cute features, it provides the Calculation tool that can perform all basic mathematic operations, including multiplication, in a mouse click. Let me show you how.

Supposing you have a list of net prices and you want to know the corresponding VAT amount. No big deal if you know how to calculate percentages in Excel. If you don't, have the Ultimate Suite do the job for you:

  1. Copy the prices to the VAT column. You need to do this because you don't want to override the original values in the Price column.
  2. Select the copied prices (C2:C5 in the screenshot below).
  3. Go to the Ablebits tools tab > Calculate group, and do the following:
    • Select the percentage symbol (%) in the Operation box.
    • Type the desired number in the Value box.
    • Click the Calculate button.

    A quick way to do calculations in Excel

That's all there is to it! You will have the percentages calculated in a heartbeat:
Percentages are calculated in a mouse click.

In a similar manner, you can multiply and divide, add and subtract, calculate percentages, and more. All you have to do is select an appropriate operator, for example the multiply symbol (*):
Choose an operator to perform the desired calculation.

To perform one of the recent calculations to another range or column, just click the Apply Recent button, and pick the operation:
Perform one of the recent calculations

The results of all calculations done with the Ultimate Suite are values, not formulas. So, you are free to move or copy them to another sheet or workbook without worrying about updating formula references. The calculated values will remain intact even if move or delete the original numbers.

If you are curious to learn more about this and many other time-saving tools included with the Ultimate Suite for Excel, you are welcome to download 15-day trial version.

I thank you for reading and hope to see you on our blog next week!

142 comments

  1. i want to multiply number of cells having value by a cell which has data validation list. So that whenver i change number in the list corresponding change should occur in all those cells which are linked to data validation cell

    1. If Value is More than 40 need to Multiply with value and Column .How to enter in Excel

  2. How to calculate this?
    H9*D12+D12*E12+F12

  3. Three cell in multiple formula please send

    Note- 0 zero typing for multiple

    Send formula

    1. Hi! Sorry, I have no idea exactly what the task is.
      It's hard to understand what you're asking for the way it's written now.

  4. Hallo,

    Ben op zoek naar een formule die 3 cellen vermenigvuldigd, waarbij 1 cel regelmatig leeg is. Als de hele regel leeg is moet resultaat cel ook leeg blijven.
    Hopelijk kunnen jullie me helpen.

  5. i have extensive data in a form of different cell values in columns which needs to be multiple by Column C total of fabric which needs to be dyed

    Column A=Colors (orange, black, Purple)
    Column B =Ratios (0.5,0.7,08)
    column C = Fabric kgs (100)

    column D= dyes required ( Column B "0.5" * Column C cell 4 where value of fabric is placed

    1. Hi! I'm not quite clear what problem you want to solve. I can assume that you can use the IF function. For example:

      =IF(C1>0,B1*C1,"")

      If this is not what you wanted, please describe the problem in more detail.

  6. I am trying to multipy a range of cells by .127, when a cell contains a certain value, and total all the products. I have a very long and cumbersome series of If statements, but I know there has to be a way to write this more simply. Here is my current formula:

    =(IF(I16="GXP",K16*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I17="GXP",K17*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I18="GXP",K18*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I19="GXP",K19*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I20="GXP",K20*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I21="GXP",K21*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I22="GXP",K22*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I37="GXP",K37*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I38="GXP",K38*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I39="GXP",K39*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I40="GXP",K40*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I41="GXP",K41*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I42="GXP",K42*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I43="GXP",K43*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I44="GXP",K44*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I45="GXP",K45*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I46="GXP",K46*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I47="GXP",K47*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I48="GXP",K48*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I51="GXP",K51*$A$3*$B$1,0)+IF(I53="GXP",K53*$A$3*$B$1,0))+B45

  7. Please How could I work this out
    E.g
    259+576

  8. Hello-

    I'm having trouble with a formula. I need to divide a number by an addition problem. I am trying to eliminate the DIV error, when the cells are 0. How can I write the formula to avoid the error? I have tried =IFERROR((C26/(C18+C20) but it does not work. The formula works when I write the equation backwards as =IFERROR((C18+C20)/C26)), but I get an incorrect answer. I really need your help.

    Thanks

  9. Im trying to figure a way to calculate mileage distrubted. for Ex I have column A and it has 30 different millage ranges which all some up to Row (A31) 170,000. and the total budget is $20,000. I know how to get the average per mile which would be in row (A34) I put SUM(20,000/A31) and it gives me X
    Now in column B I want to multiple each row by (A34) which looks like this =SUM (A1*A34) next is =SUM(A2*A34) but then I try to drag it down it keeps changing it to a different Cell From (A34). Can you help

  10. Hi, can anyone help me with this formula I need to do a lot of them and it takes ages to do it manually but I don't know the quick way.
    =SUMPRODUCT(J32*D32)+(J33*D33)+(J37*D37)+(J34*D34)+(J35*D35)+(J36*D36)+(J38*D38)+(J39*D39)+(J340*D40)+(J41*D41)+(J42*D42)+(J43*D43)+(J44*D44)+(J45*D45)+(J46*D46)+(J47*D47)+(J48*D48)+(J49*D49)+(J50*D50)+(J51*D51)+(J52*D52)+(J53*D53)+(J54*D54)+(J55*D55)+(J56*D56)+(J57*D57)+(J58*D58)+(J59*D59)

    Thanks Becky

  11. how to calculate this? ( 0.89+0.88+0.87+0.87+0.86+0.86+0.85+0.85+0.84)*7.06 +(0.83+0.83+0.82+0.82+0.81+0.81+0.80+0.80+0.79+0.78+0.78+0.77+0.77+0.76+0.76+0.75)7.57 /(0.89+0.88+0.87+0.87+0.86+0.86+0.85+0.85+0.84+0.83+0.83+0.82+0.82+0.81+0.81+0.80+0.80+0.79+0.78+0.78+0.77+0.77+0.76+0.76+0.75) My ans. 59.53 but actual ans. 7.3765
    My Formula = =SUM(F11:N11)*7.06+SUM(O11:AD11)*7.57/SUM(F11:AD11) Please help me with the right answer. thank you!

    1. Hi! Perhaps you just need to remember the order of mathematical operations and add parentheses.

      =(SUM(F11:N11)*7.06+SUM(O11:AD11)*7.57)/SUM(F11:AD11)

  12. Hello! I would like to ask for some help with multiplying by a range of numbers. I should mention I'm not very good with math so I don't know all the terms, but what I'm trying to do is have a single column with a range of numbers (like 1 through 8) being multiplied. An example of a problem i'm trying to translate into excel would be:
    4*(1-65%)*125

    1. Hi!
      In your formula, replace the number 1 with a reference to first cell of range. For example, 4*(A1-65%)*125.
      Then copy that formula down the column.

  13. I need to multiply three cells. first two cell has simple numbers but third cell has condition that
    if number is <=99.99 then multiply by 1 and number above 99.99 multiply by 1.5 and add them both.
    for example, if number is 112 then [(99.99*1)+(12.01*1.5)]*cell 1*cell 2
    how do I write formula for this? TYA.

  14. I have a problem calculating exact values. When I am calculating results are rounding off

    Exact value required for B7*B4*C6 where
    B4=25
    B5=B1(input value)
    B7= B5*10%
    C5=B5*B4
    C6= B3/C5

    But the results are rounding to the nearest 500

    Example:
    B5= 890
    B7= 89
    C5= 22250
    C6= 2
    So, the results should be 89*2*25 = 4450 but it's coming as 5000.

    Please help, much appreciated.

  15. Dollar Rate 205

    Rs2,200,000.00 Rs4,500,000.00 Rs9,800,000.00

    $10,731.71 $21,951.22 $47,804.88 0.20% 95.6097561 19600

    If I changes the value/Dollar Rate the rest of value changed , but the after % Multiplication the final result/19600 could not changes
    anyone can Help to Solve ?

  16. I want to calculate the percentages of various amount like if i have 230,000 and 200,000 will get 0.5% and 30,000 will get 0.25%?

    Please help... thanks...

  17. If Multiply using " =leftright "formula
    150*150 in A1 Cell which is single cell
    Let's have a look after applying formula in B1(reference cell is B1 where I want results
    =LEFT(A1,3)*RIGHT(A1,3)
    yes result is 22500 in b1,but what about I drag formula on down cell,if in next row A2 12*12 and formula automatically putted by draging but the result is" 0" it doesn't work cause chars or digit changed in A2 cell,if I change the formula manually in function bar =left(A2,2) replace 3 with 2, same way replace in=right( ,2) the result is 144
    Exactly I need a single a formula which perform in any digits or chars,

  18. Thank you so much!!

  19. I have to calculate total number of days.
    A1 cell has data 2.2.15 (ie.. 2 years.2 months,15 days)
    Now, i want to convert this to total days with formula to calculate. And this formula to be applied for many cells

    calculation = > 2*370+2*30+15=765 days.
    Pl. share the formula to calcuate the same.

  20. Hi,

    I'm struggling to find the right formula to multiply units by rates.

    I have different materials with different units and rates. Rates are depend on quantities.

    Description Unit Quantity Rate 1 Rate 2 Rate 4 Rate 5 Price
    path m (QB) 50 11 13 13.5 14
    road m (QB) 200
    wall m2 (QB) 35
    wood m 10
    paint m2 12

    Unit "Rate 1
    (not exceeding)" "Rate 2
    (not exceeding)" "Rate 3
    (not exceeding)" "Rate4
    (exceeding)"
    day
    h
    m (QB) 10 50 200 200
    m
    m2 (QB) 10 50 150 15
    m2

    1. Hello how can I calculate cell 1*cell2 +cell3*cell4...../ 11?

    2. Hi!
      This is a complex solution that cannot be found with a single formula. If you have a specific question about the operation of a function or formula, I will try to answer it.

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