SUM

AutoSum

Module 2 of 11 Spreadsheet in your browser

Shortcut drill What you'll do

Intro

Add up columns, rows and a grand total in a few key presses.

AutoSum (Alt+=) writes the SUM for you, adding the numbers above or to the left.

This lesson is about keyboard shortcuts, so it needs a computer with a keyboard.

Type to enter a value or a formula starting with =. F2 edits, F4 adds $ to a reference.

Study notes

How SUM works

What does Alt+= do?

It's AutoSum: it writes a SUM of the numbers right above the cell, or if there are none, the numbers to its left. Check the range it picked, then press Enter.
Can it do several totals at once?

Yes. Select a row of empty cells under your columns (or a column of cells beside your rows) and press Alt+=. Every cell gets its own total straight away.
How does it choose the range?

It takes the unbroken run of numbers next to the cell. A header in text stops it, and so does an empty cell, so check the range when your data has gaps.
What if it picks the wrong range?

While the formula is still being typed, select the right cells with the mouse or Shift+Arrow, then press Enter.
And on a Mac?

AutoSum is Cmd+Shift+T.

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