Formula for Addition Subtraction Multiplication and Division in Excel

Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are of regular use in doing calculations on mathematics in Excel. This article will show how you can do these operations easily and quickly with function or formula, with suitable examples and proper illustrations.

Formula for Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division in Excel

There are some differences between the mathematical operator and the operators used in Excel. So, I am showing the operators of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in Excel in the table below.

Operation	Mathematical Operator	Excel Operator	Example	Result
Sum	+	+ (Plus Key)	= 10 + 5	15
Subtraction	–	– (Minus Key)	= 15-10	5
Multiplication	x	* (Asterisk or Star Key)	= 5 * 3	15
Division	÷	/ (Forward Dash)	= 15 / 5	5

Now, we will see each operation with some examples in the next sections.

1. Excel Formula for Addition

1.1 Using Basic Addition Formula

To add the values of C5 and D5 you can simply write the formula with values:

=800+125

Formulas for Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division in Excel

Otherwise, you can use a cell reference to write the formula. You can call a cell by either typing the cell column and row number or just clicking on the cell.

=C5+D5

If you use the cell reference, then you can copy the formula by CTRL + C and paste it to other cells by CTRL + V.

1.2 Using the SUM Function

Another method to do addition in Excel is using the SUM function. To call the SUM function, you have to write ‘ =sum ’ in the cell. And there will open some suggestions. Then select the SUM function.

Then inside the sum function, select the cells that will be added. Here I have done a horizontal addition using this formula:

=SUM(C5:D5)

Similarly, you can do vertical addition using this formula:

=SUM(E5:E9)

You can also call the SUM function from the ribbon menu. For this, at first, click on the cell where you want to add values. Then go to the top ribbon and press on the Formulas option. Then, select the AutoSum option, and there will be a drop-down menu. Select the SUM option.

After pressing on the SUM option, you will see auto-suggestion selecting the cells. If the suggestion is correct, then press Enter. If not then correct the cell references and press Enter.

2. Subtraction Formula in Excel

To subtract values, you can simply write this formula using the values:

=800-125

Also, you can use a cell reference to subtract values using this formula:

=C5-D5

Using a cell reference is a good practice because it will allow you to copy and paste to other cells and will make you faster and more efficient. There is no subtract function in Excel.

3. How to Multiply in Excel

3.1 Using Basic Multiplication Formula

To multiply in Excel, you have to use the asterisk ( * ) sign. You can simply multiply values by writing this formula:

=800*80

You also can use the cell reference to multiply values. For this, you can write formula like this:

=C5*D5

And using cell reference will allow you to copy and paste the formula to other cells.

3.2 Using the PRODUCT Function

You can also do multiplication in Excel by using the PRODUCT function. For this, press on the cell where you want the result. Then write ‘=product’. There will come some suggestions. From them select the PRODUCT option.

After selecting the PRODUCT option, select the cells that you want to multiply and press Enter.

Now you can copy the formula and paste it to other cells to do multiplication in a similar way.

4. Basic Mathematical Formula for Division

To divide values in Excel, the ‘ / ’ or forward dash sign is used. To divide values, you can simply write a formula like this mentioning the values:

=800/15

Also, you can call the cell references to divide values. For this, you write a formula like this:

=C5/D5

Then you can copy and paste the formula to the other cells to do a similar division.

Additional Features for Division in Excel

Using QUOTIENT Function:

In the previous division calculation, you can see that the results are in fractional format. And there are some digits after the point. Often you want to have the result in the nearest integer value. Then you can use the QUOTIENT function.

To call the QUOTIENT function, simply write ‘=quotient’ in the cells. And there will appear some suggestions. And Select the QUOTIENT option.

In the QUOTIENT option, select the cell where the dividend value is and then select the cell of divisor value. Here, the numerator stands for the dividend value and the denominator stands for the divisor value.

You can copy and paste the formula to other cells also to find the quotient values similarly.

Use the MOD Function to Find the Remainder:

Again, you may need to find the remainder after division sometimes. To find the value of the remainder, you can use the MOD function.

For this just write ‘=Mod’ and there will appear suggestions and select the MOD function.

Then, in the MOD function, at first, select the cell of dividend value, put a comma, and then select the cell of divisor value. Then press Enter.

You can copy and paste the formula to other cells also to find the remainder values similarly.

Conclusion

We have to use the formula for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in Excel regularly doing any mathematical calculations. Beginners may find it difficult to find ways to do addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in Excel. So, in this article, I have tried to show the formulas and functions to do addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in Excel. I hope you found this article helpful. Please, drop comments, suggestions, or queries if you have any in the comment section below.

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