How to Multiply Columns in Excel Like a Pro

Multiplying columns in Excel is a common task for many spreadsheet users. Whether you’re analyzing data creating budgets, or performing any other calculations, you’ll likely need to multiply two or more columns together at some point.

Luckily, Excel provides several easy ways to multiply entire columns in your worksheets. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn multiple methods to multiply columns in Excel using formulas and functions.

Why Multiply Columns in Excel?

Here are some of the most common reasons you may need to multiply columns in Excel

• Calculate total cost or sales amounts If you have one column containing prices and another with quantities sold, you can multiply them to get the total sales or cost amounts

• Create budgets: Multiplying hourly rates by the estimated hours gives you project budgets. Multiplying monthly recurring expenses by 12 calculates the annual costs.

• Analyze data and metrics: Multiplying columns lets you analyze how different variables interact and impact each other. For example, you can see how price increases affect total revenue.

• Scale values: Multiplying by a certain number lets you quickly scale up or down the values in a column. Converting measurements from inches to centimeters is a common example.

• Model scenarios: By multiplying columns by different percentages, you can model best-case and worst-case scenarios for financial projections.

As you can see, multiplying columns has many uses in Excel. So let’s look at how to do it.

Use the Multiplication Operator

The most straightforward way to multiply columns in Excel is by using the multiplication operator (*).

Simply create a formula using cell references from the columns you want to multiply, separated by the asterisk.

For example, to multiply column A and B starting in row 2, use this formula in C2:

=A2*B2

Then copy the formula down the column to multiply the remaining rows. The cell references will update automatically thanks to Excel’s relative referencing.

Tip: To multiply more than two columns, add additional cell references. For example, to multiply columns A, B and C, use:

=A2*B2*C2

This method works great for multiplying a few columns. But if you need to multiply many columns, a function may be better.

Use the PRODUCT Function

Another way to multiply columns in Excel is with the PRODUCT function. The syntax is:

=PRODUCT(value1, value2, ...)

Where value1, value2, etc. are the ranges or cells you want to multiply.

Simply provide the column references as the function arguments to multiply them.

For example, to multiply columns A and B, use this formula:

=PRODUCT(A:A, B:B)

The PRODUCT function automatically multiplies all the values in the referenced columns and returns the result.

Tip: The PRODUCT function accepts up to 255 arguments, letting you multiply a large number of columns if needed.

The main advantage of PRODUCT is you don’t need to copy the formula down the column. You enter it once and it handles the entire column multiplication.

Use an Array Formula

For another method without copying formulas, you can use an array formula.

Array formulas let you perform calculations across entire columns in one formula, without needing to copy it down.

Here is the array formula to multiply columns A and B:

=A2:A10*B2:B10

Make sure to press Ctrl + Shift + Enter after typing the formula to input it correctly as an array formula. Excel will place curly brackets {} around the formula to indicate it.

The array formula multiples all values in the referenced ranges and outputs the results in a single column.

You can include more columns simply by adding more references, like:

=A2:A10*B2:B10*C2:C10

Array formulas require a couple more keystrokes but let you skip copying formulas down columns.

Use the Paste Special Option

Here is one more creative way to multiply columns using Excel’s Paste Special feature. The steps are:

1. Copy one of the columns you want to multiply and paste it in the output column.

2. Copy the other column.

3. Right-click the output column and select Paste Special.

4. Choose Multiply as the operation.

For example, to multiply columns A and B into column C:

1. Copy column B and paste into C.

2. Copy column A.

3. Right-click column C and pick Paste Special > Multiply.

This multiplies the copied column A by the existing values in column C.

While this approach takes a few more clicks, some users may find it easier than remembering formulas.

When to Use Absolute vs Relative References

One key decision when multiplying columns in Excel is whether to use relative or absolute cell references in your formula.

Relative references (A1, B2, etc.) will automatically change when copying the formula to other cells. This is normally what you want.

Absolute references ($A$1, $B$2, etc.) remain fixed when copying formulas. You’d use these if you always want to multiply by the same column.

Deciding when to use relative vs. absolute references takes some practice in Excel. Some examples:

• If multiplying by a tax rate column, use an absolute reference so it stays fixed when copying.

• When multiplying two data columns, use relative references so they change down the rows.

• To multiply by a conversion factor like inches to cm, use an absolute reference to keep it constant.

In practice, Excel’s relative cell referencing often takes care of this for you. But it’s good to understand absolute references for special cases.

Errors to Avoid When Multiplying Columns

While multiplying columns in Excel is straightforward, a few errors can trip you up:

• Formulas not copying – Remember to press Enter after typing the formula, then double-click the fill handle to copy down.

• #VALUE errors – This occurs if entire columns don’t contain numbers. Reference specific ranges containing data.

• #REF errors – Check for deleted rows or columns. Edit the formula range as needed.

• Wrong calculation results – Double check if you used the correct relative and/or absolute references.

• Copying column width – When copying a column, be sure to uncheck this option in the Paste Special box.

With a little practice, you’ll be multiplying columns in Excel flawlessly.

Next Steps

Multiplying entire columns is a critical Excel skill all users should know. The key options include:

• Multiplication operator
• PRODUCT function
• Array formulas
• Paste Special

Test the different methods and find one that suits your style. With the right technique, you can breeze through column multiplications in Excel.

For more examples, check out the advanced tutorial on multiplying columns in Excel. Up next, learn how to divide columns in Excel using similar methods. The possibilities are endless when you master these core skills!