The Excel PRODUCT function is a handy Math & Trig formula that simplifies calculations by providing the product of multiple numbers entered as its arguments. In this guide, we'll walk you through the basics of the Excel PRODUCT function, providing step-by-step instructions and valuable tips to make your mathematical tasks more efficient.
No matter which version of Excel you are using – be it the classic Excel 2010, the widely used Excel 2016, the more recent Excel 2019, or any other version – the PRODUCT function remains a consistent and versatile feature. This makes it applicable to a broad range of users, ensuring compatibility across various Excel editions.
PRODUCT Function Syntax
The syntax for the PRODUCT function is quite straightforward:
Arguments
number1: This is where you specify the first number or the range of numbers you want to multiply. You can simply type in a static number like 4, refer to a specific cell like B6, or even choose a range such as B2:B8.
[number2]: This part is optional. If you want to multiply more numbers, you can add them here. You can include up to 255 numbers in total.
PRODUCT Function Examples
Multiplying Static Values with PRODUCT Formula
The PRODUCT function in Excel is a powerful tool for multiplying numbers. For instance, the formula below multiplies all the numbers in the arguments and returns the product.
This means that if you use the PRODUCT formula with the numbers 78, 84, and 78 as its arguments, it will calculate the product of these three numbers, effectively performing the same operation as the multiplication formula and returning the same result =78*84*78
Multiplying Individual cells with PRODUCT Function
If you have values in different cells, you can use the PRODUCT function to multiply them. For example, the formula below multiplies each value in the referred cells (F3, G3, H3).
This PRODUCT formula on cells F3, G3, and H3, and these cells respectively contain the values necessary to yield a product of 511,056. This is identical to the result you would obtain by using a direct multiplication formula like =F3*G3*H3. Both methods are different ways of calculating the same mathematical operation – the multiplication of the values in cells F3, G3, and H3 – and will provide the same result if the cells contain the same values.
Multiplying Values Inside a Range with PRODUCT Formula
When dealing with a range of values, the PRODUCT function comes in handy. The formula below multiplies the values in each cell from the reference range. You can use any valid range with the PRODUCT function, making it flexible for various applications.
This formula multiples the values in each cell from the reference range. Any valid range can be used with the PRODUCT function.
For a hands-on experience, you can download a sample workbook:
Handling Blank Values in PRODUCT Function
The Excel PRODUCT function and standard multiplication in Excel have distinct approaches to handling blank cells and zero values. In the case of the PRODUCT function, it treats blank cells as if they have a value of 1. This means that including blank cells in its range does not affect the result of multiplying the other non-blank cells. On the other hand, standard multiplication, such as using the formula =A1*A2*A3, interprets blank cells as zeros. Therefore, if any of the cells in the sequence are blank, the result of the entire multiplication will be zero, as multiplying by zero yields zero.
Both methods, however, treat zero values similarly. Whether using the PRODUCT function or a standard multiplication formula, the presence of a cell containing zero in the calculation will result in an overall product of zero. This is consistent with the fundamental rule of multiplication that any number multiplied by zero is zero.
Regarding usability and error handling, the PRODUCT function offers advantages, especially when dealing with multiple cells. It allows for the specification of a range, such as =PRODUCT(A1:A10), which is more efficient than manually linking each cell in a standard multiplication formula. Additionally, the PRODUCT function is more tolerant of non-numeric values like text or errors, ignoring them unless all values are non-numeric or errors. In contrast, a standard multiplication formula will display an error if it encounters any non-numeric value or error in the sequence. This makes the PRODUCT function a more robust and user-friendly option for multiplying multiple values in Excel.
Handling Text Values in PRODUCT Function
The PRODUCT function in Excel has distinct behaviors for handling text and date/time values. When encountering text values, the function typically ignores these and only multiplies the numeric values present. For example, if you use the PRODUCT function on a range of cells where some contain numbers (e.g., 2, 3) and others contain text (e.g., "apple", "orange"), it will only consider the numeric values, treating the text as if it were blank. If, however, all the arguments or cells referenced by the PRODUCT function are text-based, the function will return 0, as there are no numeric values to multiply.
Date and time values in Excel are treated differently by the PRODUCT function. Excel stores dates as serial numbers, where each date is assigned a unique number starting from 1 (representing January 1, 1900) onwards. Time values are stored as fractional parts of a day (for instance, 12:00 PM is stored as 0.5, representing half a day). When the PRODUCT function comes across a cell with a date or time value, it uses these serial numbers in its calculations. For example, if the function is used on cells containing the dates January 1, 1900 (1), and January 2, 1900 (2), along with a numeric value, say 5, the product returned will be 10 (1 * 2 * 5).
Excel PRODUCT Function Tips
- When working with the PRODUCT function in Excel, it's essential to note that this function operates solely on numeric values. String values are disregarded, but it's crucial to be aware that Excel treats date or time values as numbers, not strings. Make sure your data is formatted correctly to avoid any unexpected results.
- In versions of Excel released after 2003, the PRODUCT formula can accommodate up to 255 arguments. However, in Excel 2003 and earlier versions, this formula was restricted to a maximum of 30 arguments.
PRODUCT Formula Issues and Errors
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If you find that the column in which you've applied the PRODUCT formula is too narrow, you might encounter a display problem represented by hashtags. The quick fix for this is to simply increase the width of the column to ensure that the entire result is visible and correctly presented.
Error Values
In cases where there's an error like #N/A!, #VALUE!, #NUM!, etc. within the reference cell or range used in the PRODUCT function, the function will return the same error. To maintain accuracy in your calculations, always double-check your references and ensure that the input values are valid and error-free.
