The AUTO SUM SHORT KEY function with example in Excel

The AutoSum feature in Excel quickly adds up a range of numbers and is commonly accessed via a toolbar button or keyboard shortcut.

AutoSum Shortcut

The keyboard shortcut for AutoSum is Alt + = (Equals).

Example

Consider you have a list of numbers in a column, and you want to calculate the total sum of these numbers using the AutoSum shortcut.

Data:

A
10
20
30
40
50

Steps to Use the AutoSum Shortcut:

1. Enter the Data:

   • In cells A1 to A5, enter the numbers: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50.

2. Select the Cell for the Sum:

   • Click on cell A6 (the cell where you want the sum to appear).

3. Use the AutoSum Shortcut:

   • Press Alt + = on your keyboard.

Result:

After pressing Alt + =, Excel will automatically insert the SUM function and select the range of cells above. The formula =SUM(A1:A5) will appear in cell A6, and the sum of the numbers will be calculated.

A
10
20
30
40
50
150

Explanation

• Alt + = automatically inserts the SUM function in the selected cell and tries to guess the range of numbers to add.
• Excel detects the numbers in cells A1 to A5 and creates the formula =SUM(A1:A5) in cell A6.
• The result, 150, is the sum of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50.

Additional Tips

• Horizontal Sum: You can also use the AutoSum shortcut for a horizontal range. If you have numbers in cells B1 to F1, select cell G1 and press Alt + =. Excel will create =SUM(B1:F1).
• Multiple Columns/Rows: If you have numbers in multiple columns or rows and want to sum each column or row separately, you can select the cells below or next to the numbers and press Alt + =. Excel will create individual sum formulas for each column or row.

Using the AutoSum shortcut is a quick and efficient way to sum numbers without manually typing the SUM function.