Excel is an essential tool for data management, and it is widely used in various fields. Summing is one of the most crucial functions in Excel as it helps you calculate totals easily. However, using the mouse to click on the “AutoSum” button, or selecting and adding up cells individually can be tedious and time-consuming. Fortunately, there is a shortcut key for summing in Excel. In this article, we will explore how to use the shortcut key for summing in Excel.
Step 1: Select the Cells to Sum
The first step in using the shortcut key for summing in Excel is to select the cells you want to sum. To select the cells, click on the first cell you want to sum, hold down the left mouse button, and drag the mouse to select the other cells you want to include in the sum. Alternatively, you can use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move to the first cell and then hold down the Shift key while using the arrow keys to select the other cells.
Step 2: Use the Shortcut Key for Summing in Excel
Once you have selected the cells you want to sum, you can use the shortcut key to get the total. The shortcut key for summing in Excel is “Alt + =.” Simply press and hold down the Alt key on your keyboard, and then press the equals (=) key. Excel will automatically add up the selected cells and display the total in the cell below the selected cells.
Step 3: Modify the Summing Function
The shortcut key for summing in Excel also allows you to modify the summing function. For example, you may want to find the average or count of the selected cells instead of the sum. To modify the summing function, click on the cell that displays the sum, and then press the Shift key and the F3 key simultaneously. A dialog box will appear, allowing you to select the desired function.
Step 4: Use the Shortcut Key for AutoSum
In addition to the shortcut key for summing in Excel, there is also a shortcut key for AutoSum. AutoSum is a function that automatically adds up the cells in a selected range. To use the shortcut key for AutoSum, click on the cell where you want the total to appear, and then press the Alt key and the equals (=) key simultaneously. Excel will automatically add up the cells above the selected cell and display the total in the selected cell.
Conclusion
Using the shortcut key for summing in Excel can save you time and make your work more efficient. By following the above steps, you can easily select cells and add them up using the shortcut key. Remember to modify the summing function if necessary, and use the shortcut key for AutoSum when appropriate. Start using the shortcut key for summing in Excel today, and enjoy the benefits of faster and more accurate calculations.
