If you ever work in Excel, you might occasionally need to use the =sum() formula to sum a column or row of numbers-without your 10-Key 😉 If so, you’ll love adding this shortcut to your repertoire.
- Highlight a cell where you need an =sum() formula (that’s translated @sum() for you Lotus veterans)
- Press and hold [Alt] then press [+] to start the =sum() formula
- Excel will try to guess the range you are trying to sum. If it is right, then simply hit enter. Excel is a better “guesser” when the cell is directly adjacent to the cells to be summed.
- If Excel doesn’t get it right, then use your mouse to paint the correct range and hit [Enter] OR use your arrow keys to navigate to the beginning of the range and then press and hold down the [Shift] key to paint the range, then release shift and hit [Enter].
I use this shortcut all the time and once you get used to the idiosyncrasies of making it work for you quickly, it can be very efficient.
