Question

Describe how to add the value in a column or row by using Autos

Answer 1

To add values in a column or row using the "AutoSum" feature in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, follow these steps:

### For Microsoft Excel:

1. **Open your Spreadsheet**: Launch Excel and open the workbook containing the data.

2. **Select the Cell for the Total**:
- If you want to add values in a column, select the cell directly below the last number in that column.
- If you are adding values in a row, select the cell immediately to the right of the last number in that row.

3. **Use AutoSum**:
- Go to the **Home** tab on the Ribbon.
- Look for the **Editing** group on the right side.
- Click on the **AutoSum** button (which looks like the Greek letter Sigma: Σ).
- Excel will automatically create a sum formula for the selected range of cells it detects.

4. **Confirm the Range**:
- Excel will highlight the range of cells it plans to sum. You can adjust this range if it’s not correct.
- Press **Enter** to complete the formula.

5. **View the Result**: The total will now be displayed in the selected cell.

### For Google Sheets:

1. **Open Your Spreadsheet**: Launch Google Sheets and open your document.

2. **Select the Cell for the Total**:
- For a column total, click on the cell below the last entry in that column.
- For a row total, click on the cell to the right of the last entry in that row.

3. **Use the Functions Menu**:
- Click on the **Functions** button (Σ) in the toolbar.
- From the dropdown, select **SUM**.
- Google Sheets will automatically suggest a range to sum.

4. **Check and Adjust the Range**:
- Make sure the highlighted range includes all the numbers you want to sum.
- If it’s not correct, you can manually drag to adjust the highlighted selection or enter the range in the formula bar.

5. **Press Enter**: Hit the Enter key to finalize the formula.

6. **View the Result**: The sum of the selected range will be displayed in the cell where you entered the formula.

### Keyboard Shortcut (Excel):
Instead of using the AutoSum button, you can simply select the cell where you want the total and press **Alt + =** (Windows) or **Command + Shift + T** (Mac). Excel will automatically create the sum formula for you.

### Note:
- Ensure that the cells you are summing contain numeric values; otherwise, they won't be included in the total.
- The AutoSum feature is a quick and efficient way to sum values without needing to manually enter the formula.