Fast AutoSum
By Richard Rost
4 years ago
Quickly Use AutoSum to SUM up Numbers in Excel
In today's video, I'm going to show you how to quickly SUM up a column of numbers using AutoSum. I'll teach you the standard method and then two fast shortcut techniques.
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Intro In this video, I will show you how to quickly sum a column of numbers in Microsoft Excel using three different methods: the standard SUM function, the AutoSum button on the ribbon, and the fastest method using the Alt plus equal sign keyboard shortcut. If you want a quicker way to add up values in Excel, this Fast Tip is for you.Transcript Welcome to another Fast Tip brought to you by ExcelLearningZone.com. I am your instructor, Richard Rost.
In today's video, I am going to show you how to quickly sum up a column of numbers in Microsoft Excel.
So, you have got a column of numbers in Excel. You probably know the long way to sum that column up is to type in =SUM(, then either type in the range or click and drag like that, and then press Enter. There is your sum. That is the long way to do it.
Let me undo that. Control Z, undo.
A faster way to sum up those numbers is to come up here to your ribbon and find the AutoSum button in the Editing group. Click on that and then press Enter. There is your sum as well. That is also a pretty fast way to do it.
There is an even better way, though. If you are like me, you hate having to stop when you are typing and grab your mouse to do stuff. So let me undo this again. Control Z.
My favorite method is simply to press Alt and the equal sign on the keyboard. Alt+equal sign. There you go. Then press Enter and you are all done.
For the kids in the back who could not see that one, it is Alt. You hold down the Alt key on your keyboard and then you press the equal sign, and then there is your AutoSum.
That is it.
Want to learn more Excel? Be sure to like this video and subscribe to my channel. Stop by my website to watch my free Excel Level 1 course. It is over 90 minutes long and it covers all the basics.
If you want me to post more Excel videos, I need to hear from you. About 90 percent of what I do is Microsoft Access, but I am also a published Excel author and I love Excel. So, if you want to see me post more free Excel videos, post a comment below and let me know. Say, "Hey, I want more Excel.\Quiz Q1. What is the traditional way to sum a column of numbers in Excel?
A. Type =SUM(, select the range, and press Enter
B. Type =ADD(, select the range, and press Enter
C. Use the Copy function
D. Click on the File menu
Q2. Which ribbon group contains the AutoSum button in Excel?
A. Home group
B. Editing group
C. Data group
D. View group
Q3. What keyboard shortcut quickly inserts the AutoSum function in Excel?
A. Ctrl+A
B. Shift+S
C. Alt+= (Alt and equal sign)
D. Ctrl+E
Q4. Why does Richard prefer the keyboard shortcut to sum columns?
A. It uses the mouse more
B. It is slower but more accurate
C. He does not like to stop typing to use the mouse
D. It creates a chart automatically
Q5. What action does Control Z perform in Excel according to the video?
A. Redo the last action
B. Close the worksheet
C. Undo the last action
D. Delete the selected cell
Q6. Where can viewers find a free Excel Level 1 course offered by Richard?
A. Inside Excel help files
B. On his website, ExcelLearningZone.com
C. On the Microsoft website
D. In the Excel mobile app
Answers: 1-A; 2-B; 3-C; 4-C; 5-C; 6-B
DISCLAIMER: Quiz questions are AI generated. If you find any that are wrong, don't make sense, or aren't related to the video topic at hand, then please post a comment and let me know. Thanks.Summary Today's video from Excel Learning Zone is all about quickly adding up a column of numbers in Microsoft Excel. I will walk you through a few different ways to total the values in a column, from the traditional approach to the fastest keyboard shortcut.
When working with a column of numbers in Excel, most people know that you can sum them by typing =SUM( and then either entering the range manually or selecting it by clicking and dragging. Pressing Enter after that gives you the total. This works, but it is definitely not the quickest method.
If you want something a little faster, you can use the AutoSum feature found on the ribbon in the Editing group. Selecting this button automatically builds the sum formula for you. Once you confirm it by pressing Enter, you will see your result immediately. This method saves time, especially if you are not comfortable typing out the formula yourself.
However, there is an even quicker option that I prefer, which keeps your hands on the keyboard. If, like me, you do not want to reach for the mouse while you are working, you can simply use the shortcut Alt plus the equal sign on your keyboard. Hold down the Alt key, press the equal sign, and AutoSum will instantly create the sum formula. Just hit Enter to get your total. It is efficient and saves you valuable time, especially if you sum columns frequently.
If you are interested in learning more about Excel, make sure to check out my website where you can find a free Excel Level 1 course. It is more than 90 minutes long and covers all of the essentials to get you comfortable with Excel's basics.
I spend most of my time making videos about Microsoft Access, but I am also an experienced Excel instructor and author. If you would like to see more Excel videos from me, let me know by leaving a comment. Your feedback will help decide what kinds of tutorials I make in the future.
You can find the complete video tutorial with step-by-step instructions on everything discussed here on my website at the link below. Live long and prosper, my friends.Topic List Typing the SUM formula manually in Excel
Selecting cell ranges for the SUM function
Using the AutoSum button on the Excel ribbon
Keyboard shortcut Alt+Equals for AutoSum |
