Excel Addition Operator

In Excel, the addition operator, denoted by the plus symbol (+), serves as a fundamental tool for performing straightforward arithmetic operations within spreadsheets. Whether you are summing up individual cells or ranges of values, mastering the addition operator is essential for efficient data manipulation in Excel.

There are multiple approaches to leveraging the addition operator in Excel, either directly within formulas or through the versatile SUM function. Understanding how to add cells and numbers seamlessly can enhance your productivity and streamline your calculations.

Let’s delve into practical examples and step-by-step guides to harnessing the power of the addition operator in Excel effectively.

Addition Operator

Addition uses the + symbol in Excel, and is also known as plus.

There are two ways to do addition in Excel. Either by using the + symbol in a formula or by using the SUM function.

How to add cells:

1. Select a cell and type (=)
2. Select a cell
3. Type (+)
4. Select another cell
5. Hit enter

You can add more cells to the formula by typing (+) between the cells.

Let”s have a look at some examples.

Adding Two Manual Entries

• Type A1(=)
• Type 5+5
• Hit enter

Congratulations! You have successfully added 5+5=10.

Adding Two Cells

First let”s add some numbers to work with. Type the following values:

How to do it, step by step:

1. Type B1(=)
2. Select A1
3. Type (+)
4. Select A2
5. Hit enter

Great! 30 is the result by adding A1 and A2.

Adding Several Cells

First let”s add some numbers to work with. Type the following values:

Step by step to add several cells:

1. Type B1(=)
2. Select A1
3. Type (+)
4. Select A2
5. Type (+)
6. Select A3
7. Type (+)
8. Select A4
9. Type (+)
10. Select A5
11. Hit enter

Good job! You have successfully added five cells!

 

Adding with SUM

Let”s keep the numbers from the last exercise. If you did last exercise, remove the value in B1.

Step by step to add with SUM:

1. Type B1(=SUM)
2. Double click the SUM command
3. Mark the range A1:A5
4. Hit enter

Adding Using Absolute Reference

You can also lock a cell and add it to other cells.

How to do it, step by step:

1. Select a cell and type (=)
2. Select the cell you want to lock, add two dollar signs ($) before the column and row
3. Type (+)
4. Fill a range

Let”s have a look at an example where we add B(5) to the range A1:A10 using absolute reference and the fill function.

Type the values:

Step by step:

1. Type C1(=)
2. Select B1
3. Type dollar sign before column and row $B$1
4. Type (+)
5. Select A1
6. Hit enter
7. Fill the range C1:C10

Great! You have successfully used absolute reference to add B1(5) with the range A1:A10.