In this article, we will guide you through the process of multiplying numbers in Google Sheets using various methods such as the multiply sign operator, MULTIPLY function, and PRODUCT function. We’ll provide you with sample formulas and walk you through practical examples.
Multiply Using the Multiply Operator (*)
The multiply operator is the simplest way to obtain the product of two or more numbers in Google Sheets. Below, we will show you three different ways to use this method.
Syntax
To multiply numbers using the multiply operator, use the following syntax:
=num1*num2*num3*...
Where num1, num2, num3, etc. represent either the numbers themselves or references to the cells containing the numbers.
You can add more numbers as needed, simply by including the operator (*) before each additional number. For instance, if you want to calculate the product of five numbers, the formula would be:
=num1*num2*num3*num4*num5
Multiply Two Numbers
Follow these steps to multiply two numbers in Google Sheets:
Step 1: Select a cell to output the result
Step 2: Add the formula =num1*num2
Step 3: Press Enter
Screencap
Multiply Two Numbers Stored in Different Cells
To multiply two numbers stored in separate cells, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select the cell to output the answer
Step 2: Enter the multiply formula =num1*num2
Start with the first cell, type an asterisk symbol (*), then select the second cell.
Step 3: Press Enter
Screencap
Multiply Three or More Numbers
If you need to multiply three or more numbers, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select a cell to display your answer
Step 2: Use the multiply formula =num1*num2*num3*...
If the numbers are stored in different cells, select them one by one, adding an asterisk (*) after each selected cell until the last one.
Step 3: Press Enter
Screencap
Multiply Using the MULTIPLY Function
Another way to multiply numbers in Google Sheets is by using the MULTIPLY function.
Google Sheets MULTIPLY Function Syntax
The MULTIPLY function follows this syntax:
=MULTIPLY(num1,num2)
Where num1 and num2 are the numbers or references to the cells containing the numbers.
If you add a third number or more to the formula, an error will occur.
Step 1: Select the cell
Step 2: Add the formula =MULTIPLY(num1,num2)
Press the Ctrl button (Windows) or the Command ⌘ button (Mac) while selecting the cells.
Step 3: Press Enter
Screencap
Multiply with a Fixed Number
In some calculations, you may need to multiply a fixed number or factor. This can be done by directly including the number in the formula or by storing it in a separate cell.
Syntax
There are two ways to achieve this:
=num1*const
=MULTIPLY(num1,const)
Where num1 is the number to be multiplied to the fixed number const. Num1 can be a reference to a cell containing the value, while const can either be a number added to the formula or a reference to the cell containing the fixed number with absolute reference in the form:
$C$R
where C is the column letter and R is the row number. For example, if the fixed number is located at A3, the corresponding reference would be:
$A$3
Step 1: Select the cell
Step 2: Add the formula =num1*const or =MULTIPLY(num1,const)
Step 3: Mark const as an absolute reference
Step 4: Press Enter
Step 5: Apply to other Cells Along the Column
Hold the small box on the lower-right corner of the highlighted cell and drag it down the column. You can also double-click it to automatically copy the formula to other cells in the same column.
Screencap
Multiply Using the PRODUCT Function
Use the PRODUCT function when you need to calculate the product of three or more numbers.
Syntax
To multiply numbers using the PRODUCT function, use the following syntax:
=PRODUCT(num1,num2,num3,...)
Where num1, num2, num3, etc. can be numbers or references to the cells containing the numbers. You can add more numbers as needed.
Step 1: Select the cell
Step 2: Add the formula =PRODUCT(num1,num2,num3,...)
Press the Ctrl button (Windows) or the Command ⌘ button (Mac) while selecting the cells.
Step 3: Press Enter
Screencap
How to Multiply Two Columns in Google Sheets
If you need to multiply numbers from two columns in Google Sheets, there is a simple solution that saves time compared to setting the formula for each row.
Google Sheets Multiply Formula For Columns Syntax
=ARRAYFORMULA(MULTIPLY(col1,col2))
Where col1 and col2 represent the range of columns. Make sure they have the same length for the formula to work correctly.
Step 1: Select the cell
Step 2: Add the formula =ARRAYFORMULA(MULTIPLY(col1,col2))
Step 3: Press Enter
Screencap
How many numbers can I input?
You can input up to 30 numbers. However, for most formulas, you only need to set three to five numbers.
When should I use the MULTIPLY and PRODUCT functions?
The MULTIPLY function is best used when dealing with two numbers, while the PRODUCT function is more suitable for three or more numbers.
