Whether you’re working on a budget, calculating sales projections, or analyzing data sets, knowing how to multiply in Google Sheets is an essential skill. Fortunately, it’s a simple process that can be accomplished in a few clicks.
In this article, we will explore the basics of multiplication in Google Sheets, as well as some advanced techniques for working with larger data sets.
Basic Multiplication in Google Sheets
Using the Multiplication Formula
The easiest way to learn how to multiply a cell by a number in Google Sheets is by using the multiplication formula. To use this formula, simply select the cell where you want the result to appear, type an equal sign (=), then type the first number you want to multiply, followed by an asterisk (), and then the second number you want to multiply. For example, to multiply the numbers 5 and 10, you would enter the following formula in a cell: `=510`. The result, 50, would then appear in the cell.
Multiplying Multiple Cells
In addition to multiplying two numbers, you can also multiply multiple cells in Google Sheets. To learn how to multiply two cells in Google Sheets, simply select the cells you want to multiply, type an equal sign (=), then type the first cell reference you want to multiply, followed by an asterisk (), and then the second cell reference you want to multiply. For example, if you want to multiply the values of cells A1 and B1, you would enter the following formula in a cell: `=A1B1`. The result, the product of the two cells, would then appear in the cell.
Advanced Multiplication Techniques
Google Sheets offers a range of advanced multiplication techniques that can help users perform complex calculations efficiently. This section covers two of these techniques: array formulas for bulk operations and applying conditional multiplication.
Array Formulas for Bulk Operations
Array formulas are a powerful tool in Google Sheets that allows users to perform calculations on a range of cells in a single operation. These formulas can be used to multiply large data sets, such as entire columns or rows, in just a few clicks.
To create an array formula for multiplication, users can follow these steps:
- Select the range of cells to multiply.
- Type the multiplication formula in the formula bar, but don’t press Enter yet.
- Instead of pressing Enter, press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER (or CMD + SHIFT + ENTER on Mac). This will transform the formula into an array formula.
- The result will appear in the first cell of the selected range. Users can now copy and paste this formula into other cells to perform the same operation on the entire range.
Users can also use array formulas in combination with other functions, such as SUM, to perform more complex calculations.
Applying Conditional Multiplication
Conditional multiplication is a technique that allows users to multiply only certain cells within a range based on specific conditions. This can be useful in situations where users need to perform calculations on subsets of data, such as summing cells that meet certain criteria.
To apply conditional multiplication in Google Sheets, users can use the SUMPRODUCT function in combination with other functions like IF and AND. For example, to multiply only the cells within a range that meet a certain condition, users can use the following formula:
=SUMPRODUCT((A1:A10>=5)*(A1:A10<=10)*A1:A10)
In this example, the formula multiplies only the cells in the A1 range that are greater than or equal to 5 and less than or equal to 10.
By using these advanced multiplication techniques, users can quickly and efficiently perform complex calculations in Google Sheets.
Use AI to Build Multiplication Formulas
While basic multiplication formulas are relatively simple, advanced multiplication formulas can quickly become complex.
In reality, there are over 500 Google Sheets functions available today, making almost anything you can imagine possible in Google Sheets. Additionally, spreadsheet skills are useful in almost all professional fields. However, mastering formulas and functions takes time. Want a simple way to get ahead?
You can use the free formula builder from Coefficient to automatically create Google Sheets formulas.
First, you’ll need to install the free extension for Google Sheets. You can start with the formula builder here.
After submitting your email address, follow the steps and accept the prompts for installation. Once installation is complete, go to Add-ons in the Google Sheets menu. Coefficient will be available as an add-on.
Now, launch the app. Coefficient will run in the sidebar of your Google Sheet. Select GPT Copilot in the Coefficient sidebar.
Next, click on the formula builder.
Enter a description of a formula in the text box. For this example, let’s multiply the scores from column B if it’s a score from the Mavericks.
Simply type: multiply together each value in the points column B of sheet18 if the corresponding value in the team column equals “Mavs”.
Then, press ‘Build’. The formula builder will automatically generate your sorted formula.
And voila! Just place the formula in the desired cell.
Source: Crawlan.com
