Excel multiplication breaks when the formula uses the wrong symbol, the wrong cell reference, or the wrong tool for the job. Use the asterisk, lock any fixed multiplier, and pick the method that matches what you are multiplying. Here are the Excel multiplication fixes people need most, from one-cell formulas to full ranges.
Multiply numbers in one cell
This fixes a single multiplication calculation in one Excel cell.
Select the cell where the answer should appear.
Type =5*10.
Press Enter.
Use the asterisk character for multiplication. Excel reads * as the multiplication operator, not x.
Multiply values from different cells
Use this when the numbers already sit in worksheet cells.
- 1.Select the cell where the result should appear.
- 2.Type
=. - 3.Type the first cell reference, an asterisk, and the second cell reference, such as
=A1*B1. - 4.Press Enter.
- 5.Edit either source cell when the value changes; Excel recalculates from the referenced cells.
Use PRODUCT for several numbers or ranges
The PRODUCT function keeps longer multiplication formulas tidy. Select a blank result cell, type =PRODUCT(A2:A4,2), and press Enter.
To add it from Excel's function picker, select the result cell, choose Insert Function or fx, search for PRODUCT, enter the numbers or ranges, and confirm the dialog.
On Excel for Windows, press Shift+F3 after selecting the result cell to open Insert Function. Choose PRODUCT, enter the arguments, and confirm the dialog. On Excel for Mac, Shift+F3 opens the Formula Builder pane instead; choose PRODUCT there and enter the same arguments.
Multiply a column by the same number
This method applies when every value in a column needs the same multiplier, such as a quantity factor, tax rate, or discount rate. An absolute reference keeps the multiplier cell fixed while the formula copies down.
Put the multiplier in its own cell, such as C2.
Select the first result cell.
Type =A2*$C$2.
Press Enter.
Drag the fill handle down the column, or double-click the small green square in the lower-right corner of the formula cell.
On Excel desktop, place the cursor before or after the multiplier reference while editing the formula.
Press F4 to change C2 into $C$2.
Multiply by a percentage
The most common cause is an unlocked percentage cell that shifts when the formula is filled down.
Put the percentage in a fixed cell, such as C2.
Select the first result cell.
Type =A2*$C$2.
Press Enter.
Drag the fill handle down to copy the formula to the remaining rows.
To decrease an amount by a percentage, type =B2*(1-C2).
To increase an amount by a percentage, type =B2*(1+C2).
Change existing values with Paste Special Multiply
Paste Special with Multiply updates selected values in place instead of adding a helper formula column. In an empty cell, enter the multiplier, such as 15% or 0.15.
Copy the multiplier cell with Ctrl+C.
Select the target range.
Right-click the selection.
Choose Paste Special.
Select Values.
Choose Multiply.
Select OK.
On Excel desktop, copy the multiplier, select the target cells, press Ctrl+Alt+V, choose Multiply under Operation, and select OK.
If this method fails, use a helper column with a formula such as =A2*$C$2 and fill it down.
Multiply in Excel for the web and on your phone
Excel for the web uses the same formula pattern as desktop Excel. Select a cell, type a formula that begins with =, use * for multiplication, type an example such as =2*3+5, and press Enter.
On Android phones, tap the formula bar, type the formula, and tap the check mark. You can also tap fx, choose a function from the function library, and finish the formula there.
On iPhone, double-tap the cell or tap in the formula bar. Type the multiplication formula, then confirm the entry.
Multiply matching ranges at once
Select the top-left result cell in a current dynamic-array version of Excel.
Type a range multiplication formula, such as =A2:A6*B2:B6.
Press Enter.
Let Excel spill the results into the neighboring cells.
For a multiplication table, enter headers such as 1 through 10 in A2:A11 and B1:K1.
In B2, type =$A2*B$1.
Fill the formula across and down.
Clear the cells where the spill results need to appear before trying again.
Tip: current dynamic-array Excel uses Enter for formulas that spill results.
Pick specialized multiplication tools
Use these tools for less common multiplication jobs.
- 1.Use SUMPRODUCT, such as
=SUMPRODUCT(C2:C5,D2:D5), to multiply matching pairs and add the results. - 2.Use MMULT, such as
=MMULT(array1,array2), for matrix multiplication. - 3.Use IMPRODUCT, such as
=IMPRODUCT("3+4i","5-3i"), to multiply complex numbers. - 4.Use Copilot in Excel with eligible Microsoft 365 Copilot access to request a calculated column that multiplies values, then review and apply the formula.
- 5.Use Formulas > Insert Python, or type
=PYand choose PY, when Python in Excel is included with your Excel plan and platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What symbol do I use to multiply in Excel?
Use the asterisk (*). For example, type =5*10 or =A1*B1, then press Enter.
How do I multiply an entire column by one number?
Put the multiplier in one cell, then use an absolute reference such as =A2*$C$2. Copy or drag the formula down the column.
Can I multiply in Excel without typing every formula manually?
Yes. Use the fill handle to copy a formula down or across nearby cells. On Excel desktop, drag it or double-click the small green square in the lower-right corner of the formula cell.
Does multiplication work the same in Excel for the web?
Basic multiplication formulas use the same operator in Excel for the web. Start with =, use * for multiplication, and press Enter.
