Using the Auto Calculate Feature

Few Excel users notice that when they select a range of cells that contain values, the status bar displays the sum of those values, as shown in Figure 6.6. This feature provides you with a quick total of any values in the worksheet without your having to use a calculator.

Figure 6.6. Excel displays the sum of selected values.

Even fewer Excel users realize that they can change the mathematical operation Excel performs on those values. Right-click the sum to display a context menu of available operations, as shown in Figure 6.7, and then click the desired operation.

Figure 6.7. You can change the operation Excel performs on the values.