How to add and multiply in the same cell in Microsoft Excel

Performing both addition and multiplication operations within a single cell in Microsoft Excel can save time and improve the accuracy of complex calculations, particularly when dealing with extensive data sets. Financial models can be employed to aid in the computation and analysis of revenue, expenses, profitability, ratios, percentages, and other statistical calculations.

In this tutorial, we will learn how to add and multiply in the same cell in Microsoft Excel. We can use various methods to add and multiply in the same cell in Excel, for instance, we can combine and use the SUM and PRODUCT functions. Also, we can utilize “+” and “*” operators. The Paste Special function is also a useful method for this purpose that helps to perform addition and multiplication at a larger scale but more quickly. 

We possess a data set that provides information on a construction project’s Interior Cost, Exterior and the total floors in the building. The aim is to calculate the overall expenses of the project by adding the Interior and Exterior Costs for every floor and multiplying the outcome by the number of floors.

Method 1: Utilizing the SUM and the PRODUCT Function

Step 1 – Enter an Equals ( = ) Sign in a Targeted Cell

  • Enter an Equals ( = ) sign in a targeted cell in which you aim to sum up and then multiply.

Step 2 – Combine the SUM and PRODUCT Functions

  • For adding and multiplying within the same cell, we will nest the SUM function in the PRODUCT function.
  • The structure would be:
            =PRODUCT(SUM(A2, B2) , C2)
  • The SUM(A2,B2) returns the a value by adding A2 and B2 where A2 and B2 are the Interior and the exterior costs respectively.
  • The PRODUCT function then multiples the value from C2 with the value returns by the SUM function.

Step 3 – Utilize Enter Button on the Keyboard

  • Utilize the Enter button in the keyboard to obtain the resultant.

Step 4 – Utilize Autofill to Calculate Total Cost for Each Project

  • Utilize Autofill to Calculate the complete expenses for every project.

Method 2: Utilizing the “ + ” and “ * ” Operators

Step 1 – Enter an Equals ( = ) Sign in a Targeted Cell

  • Enter an Equals ( = ) sign in a targeted cell in which you aim to add and multiply.

Step 2 – Add the Interior and Exterior Costs and Close them in a Parenthesis

  • Add Interior and Exterior costs, i.e., A2 + B2.
  • Close the formulae in parenthesis, i.e., (A2 + B2).

Step 3 – Multiply the Total Number of Floors 

  • Multiply the total number of floors.
  • The structure of the final formulae would be: 

            ( A2 + B2 )*C2

  • Where C2 is the cell containing the total number of floors of the building.

Step 4 – Utilize Enter button on the Keyboard

  • Utilize the Enter button to obtain the resultant.

Step 5 – Utilize Autofill to Calculate Total Cost for Each Project

  • Utilize Autofill to calculate the total cost for each project.

Method 3: Utilizing the Paste Special

The Paste Special function can be utilized to perform addition and multiplication operations on several values simultaneously. In this scenario, we will apply the Paste Special to compute the comprehensive project expenses simultaneously.

Step 1 – Duplicate the Interior Costs into the Resultant Column

  • Copy the interior costs and paste them into the resultant column i.e., Total Cost.

Step 2 – Copy the Cells Containing the Exterior Costs

  • Copy the cells containing the exterior costs by utlizing CTRL+C shortcut keys.

Step 3 – Select the Cells with the Interior Costs in the Resultant Column

  • Select the cell containing the values pasted in the resultant column i.e., the Interior costs.

Step 4 – Perform a Right-click on the Selected Cells 

  • Perform a right-click on the selected cells.
  • A context menu will appear.
  • Hover the cursor over the Paste Specia.
  • Perform a click on the Paste Special.

Step 5 – Choose the Add Operation and Hit the OK Button

  • Choose the Add operation in the dialog box.
  • Hit the OK button.

Step 6 – Now Copy the Cells Containing the Number of Floors

  • Copy the number of cells containing the number of floors.

Step 7 – Again Select the Cells Containing Values in the Resultant Column

  • Select the cells containing the values in the resultant column.

Step 8 – Perform a Right-click on the Selected Cells and then Click on the Paste Special

  • Perform a right-click on the selected cells.
  • A context menu will appear.
  • Hover the cursor over the Paste Special.
  • Perform a click on the Paste Special.

Step 9 – Choose the Multiply Operation and Hit the OK Button

  • Choose the Multiply operation and hit the OK button in the dialog box.
  • The total costs for each project will be displayed.