Automatic Calculations with Functions

We'll start with functions and see how to carry out all sorts of calculations on your data.

Adding a Column of Numbers

So let's cut to the chase. Say you need to add that column of numbers—the classic Excel task.

1. In cells H3:H7, enter the values shown in Figure 4–1.
   

   Figure 4–1. It will all add up: The numbers we want to add.

   NOTE: Don't get the wrong idea—the actual values we've entered don't particularly matter, and more importantly the number of values populating in the column doesn't really matter either. The procedure for adding 50,000 values in a column works the same way as adding just 5.

2. Next, click in cell H8, click the Home tab, and choose AutoSum from the Editing button group (see Figure 4–2).
   

   Figure 4–2. The Editing button group