Create a formula in Excel to add values from multiple cells and explain the process step by step.

Creating a formula in Excel to add values from multiple cells is a common task, and it's a fundamental example of how to use Excel formulas. Here's a step-by-step process to create a formula that adds values from multiple cells:

Step 1: Open Excel and Prepare Your Worksheet

1. Launch Microsoft Excel and open a new or existing worksheet where you want to perform the addition.

Step 2: Select the Cell for the Result

2. Click on the cell where you want the sum (the result of the addition) to appear. This is typically an empty cell where you want the total to be displayed.

Step 3: Start the Formula with an Equal Sign (=)

3. In the selected cell, begin the formula by typing an equal sign (=). This tells Excel that you're entering a formula, not plain text.

Step 4: Reference the Cells to be Added

4. After the equal sign, click on the first cell you want to add. For example, if you want to add the values in cells A1, A2, and A3, click on cell A1. Excel will automatically insert its address into the formula.

Step 5: Add the Addition Operator (+)

5. After referencing the first cell, type the addition operator, which is the plus sign (+).

Step 6: Reference the Next Cell to be Added

6. Click on the next cell you want to add. In this example, click on cell A2. Excel will add its address to the formula, separated by the addition operator.

Step 7: Continue Adding Cells

7. If you have more cells to add, repeat the process by typing the addition operator (+) and clicking on the next cell to include in the addition. For instance, if you also want to add cell A3, type `+A3` after the second cell.

Step 8: Close the Formula with Enter

8. To finish the formula, press the Enter key. Excel will calculate the sum of the referenced cells and display the result in the selected cell.

Step 9: View the Result

9. The cell where you entered the formula will now display the total sum of the referenced cells. For example, if you added cells A1, A2, and A3, the selected cell will display the sum of these values.

Example Formula:

Let's say you want to add the values in cells A1, A2, and A3, which contain the numbers 10, 15, and 20, respectively. Follow these steps to create the formula:

1. Click on the cell where you want the sum to appear (e.g., B1).
2. Type `=A1+A2+A3`.
3. Press Enter.

Excel will calculate the sum and display it in cell B1, which will show the value 45 in this example.