Microsoft Excel Formulas or AutoSum?

New users have asked me, what is the difference using formulas to calculate a total, or using the AutoSum function. Convenience!

Appropriate use of a Formula

Adding a small group of numbers is no problem. Formulas begin with the equal ( = ) sign, then select each cell, being sure to use the plus sign ( + ) between all of the cells chosen. Now try this with ten or more numbers in a column or a row. It gets time‑consuming and human-error becomes a factor as more numbers introduces more possibilities for typing errors.

Appropriate use of the AutoSum Function

Instead of individually selecting each cell for a formula, use the AutoSum shortcut displayed as the Greek symbol Sigma ( Σ ). You will find it on:

· Word 2003 on the Standard Toolbar

· Word 2007 on the Ribbon, in the Formulas tab, on the top row of the Function Library group

Select the cell to receive the totals, and then click the AutoSum symbol Σ. Excel will interpret the column or row of numbers being used and put the total in that cell, whether it is in a row or a column.

That’s all there is to it!

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Originally posted 2009-04-21 08:41:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter