Adding Numbers

Next we want to learn how to add numbers.  There are several ways to do this.  Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

To do this, begin by moving your cursor to cell C9, and click-on it.

Always move to the cell where you want the answer to be located.

Type-In Method

We want to add the three numbers in cells C6, C7 and C8.  To use this method type-in (using the keys on the keyboard) the following in cell C9:

 

             = C6 + C7 + C8     

Your spreadsheet should look like the image to the right as you are typing in this equation.  Note:  you don’t have to use capital letters – we only did this because they are easier to “see” in the tutorial.

Now – tap the Enter key.  Then, click on cell C9 again.  The total of these cells will now appear in C9. 

 

When you have completed typing your equation, you will see this formula in the area below the menu bar.

  

Change the number in cell C6 to 500 (and tap Enter).  See how the total AUTOMATICALLY recalculates!!!

THIS IS THE TRUE POWER OF THE SPREADSHEET !!!

Whenever a number is entered in a cell the entire spreadsheet will automatically recalculate.

Something happened here.  Notice how you typed in an (equal sign) = before the cell location.  If you had simply typed in C6 + C7 + C8, Excel would have thought this entry was a word (text) and this entry would have shown as you typed it.

Try this if you want.  Any time you “create” an error in Excel, you can simply re-type or edit the formula to correct the error.

The Type in Method is really easy if you have a few numbers and can see their cell locations on the screen. If you have a lot of cells in the formula, which are on several screens, this is not such a great method.  The next method will work a lot better for numbers “all over the place."

Subtraction, Multiplication and Division

You can put in a (minus) ‑ for subtraction, (asterisk) * for multiplication, and (slash) / for division.  As you become more capable we'll, build some nifty formulas.

Point Method

Again move to cell C9 and click-on it.  We'll now add the numbers a second way.  Tap the Delete key on the keyboard to delete the current formula.

First, tap the = and POINT the cursor to cell C6 using the mouse, tap the left mouse button on cell C6 (you will see a marquee box go around the cell).  Now tap a + and move cursor to C7, tap the left mouse button, and tap another + and move the cursor to C8 and tap the left mouse button (notice how as you " + and point " the addition formula is being built in cell C9), now tap Enter.  The same formula can be built using the arrow movement keys on the keyboard (except that you don’t have to click-on each cell as the cell is marked as you move the arrows).  Notice, as you are entering the cell addresses, that as you place another + in the formula, that the cursor “returns” to cell C9.  Also notice, as you point to each cell that it is highlighted by a “marquee box.”  This “tells” you what cell you’ve pointed to.  Pretty neat!

This method is good when you need to move to numbers that are spread out all over the place.  Some people like it best and use it all the time ‑‑ it's your choice.

Function Method

Move again to cell C9.  Delete the formula by tapping the Delete key again.

Now type in the following:    =SUM(

[This tells Excel that we are going to sum some numbers in a RANGE which will follow the =SUM(.]

There are two ways to put in this range:

Arrow Key and Anchor Method:  With the arrow keys move the cursor to cell C6. As you move you will notice that the cell where the cursor is located appears after the =SUM(.  When you get to C6 tap the . (Period) Key.  This is called an ANCHOR and holds one end of the RANGE in place.  You will notice that a C6:C6 appears in the formula area under the button bar.  This is a one cell range.  Now move with the arrow keys to cell C8. See how cells C6, C7 and C8 are highlighted.  This indicates the Range is C6:C8.  Excel assumes, logically, that these are the numbers you want to add.  Now tap Enter.  The numbers still add, but now the formula reads =SUM(C6:C8) instead of =C6+C7+C8 like it did before

Mouse Method:  Move again to cell C9. Delete the formula in cell C9 by tapping the Delete key.  Type in   =SUM(   as you did before.  Point to Cell C6 – with your mouse cursor.  Click and hold down the left mouse button and move/drag the cursor down to cell C8.  (Cells C6, C7 and C8 should be highlighted.)  Now tap Enter.

This =SUM Function is a great way to add a lot of numbers, or a block/range of numbers.  By simply anchoring, and using page downs or using the mouse, you can highlight lots and lots of numbers to add quickly.  However, since it only sums you can't do subtraction, etc.