Do you want to learn how to multiply matrices in Google Sheets with ease? Look no further! In this article, we’ll dive deep into the MMULT function and explore its practical applications. Whether you’re a math enthusiast or a spreadsheet aficionado, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to become a matrix multiplication pro.
Understanding the Syntax of the MMULT Function
To get started, let’s familiarize ourselves with the syntax of the MMULT function. It’s quite simple, actually. The function takes two matrices as inputs and returns their product. Here’s how the syntax looks:
MMULT(matrix1, matrix2)In this formula, matrix1 refers to the first matrix in the multiplication operation, while matrix2 represents the second matrix. It’s important to note that both matrices must be represented as arrays or ranges.
Now, here’s an essential rule to keep in mind: the number of columns in matrix1 should be equal to the number of rows in matrix2. Adhering to this standard ensures that the multiplication operation is valid.
A Practical Example: Multiplying Matrices in Google Sheets
To better understand how the MMULT function works, let’s walk through an example. Consider the following two matrices:
In this case, the number of columns in matrix1 is 3, which matches the number of rows in matrix2. This means we can proceed with the multiplication.
To perform the multiplication operation, we need to follow four simple steps. First, we multiply each value in the first row of matrix1 with each value in the first column of matrix2. Then, we repeat this process for the second and third columns of matrix1.
Let’s look at the results:
As you can see, multiplying matrices is a straightforward process. But why stop there? Let’s automate the multiplication using the MMULT function in Google Sheets!
How to Use the MMULT Function in Google Sheets
If you’ve understood the concept of matrix multiplication, using the MMULT function in Google Sheets is a piece of cake. Simply select the range containing matrix1 and matrix2, and separate them with a comma within the MMULT function.
For instance, let’s take a look at the MMULT formula for our previous example:
As you can see, the result obtained from the MMULT formula matches our manual calculation. The resulting matrix will retain the same number of rows as matrix1 and the same number of columns as matrix2.
For those who are well-versed in Google Sheets, you may find it interesting to compare the MMULT formula with the SUMPRODUCT formula combined with the TRANSPOSE function. The results will be the same:
=SUMPRODUCT(transpose(B3:D3),G4:G6)By now, you should have a firm grasp on how to use the MMULT function. To solidify your understanding, take a look at the image below, which showcases both matrices involved in the multiplication operation:
An Exciting Real-Life Example
To truly appreciate the power of the MMULT function, let’s explore a practical example. Imagine you have sales data for six products across six months:
In this scenario, the range B4:G9 represents our matrix2, which consists of 6 rows and 6 columns. Additionally, we have the rates for the six products in the range B16:G16, which acts as our matrix1.
Since both matrices adhere to the matrix multiplication standards, we can use the MMULT function to find the month-wise sales value for each product. Take a look at the image below for a step-by-step explanation:
By following this tutorial and applying the examples in a Google Sheets file, you’ll gain a solid understanding of matrix multiplication and the MMULT concept.
So, are you ready to unleash the full potential of Google Sheets’ MMULT function? Head over to Crawlan.com to discover more valuable insights and tips for mastering Google Sheets.
Stay tuned for future tutorials that explore alternative uses of MMULT, such as replacing SUMIF, conditional MMULT, and array formulas for conditional date range sums. With Crawlan’s expertise, you’ll become a Google Sheets superstar in no time!
Remember, matrix multiplication may seem daunting at first, but with the MMULT function in your arsenal, you’ll be multiplying matrices like a pro. Happy multiplying!
