AutoSum in Excel (Alt + =)
The AutoSum feature allows you to quickly sum a range of cells without manually typing the SUM formula.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Alt + = | Cmd + Shift + T |
How to Use AutoSum
- Select the cell below or next to the numbers you want to sum
- Press Alt + = (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + T (Mac)
- Excel will automatically create a SUM formula for the adjacent range
- Press Enter to confirm
Tips & Best Practices
- Ensure that there are no blank rows or columns in your data range for accurate summation
- You can use AutoSum repeatedly for multiple columns or rows
- Combine with Select Current Region to sum larger tables quickly
FAQ
- Q: Can AutoSum sum non-adjacent cells?
- No, it automatically sums adjacent ranges. Use the SUM function manually for non-adjacent cells.
- Q: What happens if a cell contains text?
- Excel ignores text values when calculating the sum.