Google Sheets is a powerful and flexible spreadsheet program that you can use for basic arithmetic or complex analysis. Part of what makes Google Sheets so flexible is that there are multiple ways to perform basic arithmetic operations in Google Sheets, depending on the use case and your preferences. In other words, you have a choice of methods when it comes to adding, subtracting, dividing, or multiplying numbers or arrays.

In this guide, you will learn about three different ways of multiplying numbers: the asterisk symbol (*), the MULTIPLY function, and the PRODUCT function. You have step-by-step instructions on how to use each method to multiply factors. Finally, you also have detailed instructions on using the ARRAYFORMULA function with the asterisk (*) to perform array multiplication: first, to multiply columns or rows by a single factor, then to multiply columns by columns, and finally, to multiply columns by rows.

How to Multiply Using the Multiplication Symbol (*) in Google Sheets?

To multiply numbers or cell contents using the asterisk symbol (*), add an asterisk between the values or cell references in your formula.

1. 1. In the cell where you want the result, type the equal sign, followed by the first value you want to multiply.

1. 2. Add an asterisk (*), followed by the second value. Repeat this step to add more values.

1. 3. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.

1. 4. Alternatively, you can reference the cells containing the values.

How to Multiply Using the MULTIPLY Function in Google Sheets?

The MULTIPLY function can only multiply two scalar values, so it is much more limited than PRODUCT. The syntax for MULTIPLY is as follows: MULTIPLY(factor1,factor2). The values of the factors can be cell references, or they can be typed directly into the function.

1. 1. Type the MULTIPLY function into the cell where you want the result.

1. 2. Select the cell with the first factor, add a comma, and then select the cell with the second factor.

1. 3. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.

How to Multiply Using the PRODUCT Function in Google Sheets?

Unlike MULTIPLY, the PRODUCT function can be used to multiply as many factors as you want. These can be values or arrays of values, which can be typed into the function or added via cell references.

1. 1. In the cell where you want the result, type the PRODUCT function.

1. 2. Add each factor or array of factors to the function, separated by commas.

1. 3. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.

How to Multiply Columns & Rows in Google Sheets?

You can combine the ARRAYFORMULA function and the asterisk symbol (*) to multiply arrays in Google Sheets. Type the equal sign and select the first array. Add an asterisk, followed by the second array. Press Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Enter to add the ARRAYFORMULA function. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.

These arrays can be in columns, rows, or both. In the examples below, you will learn how to multiply a column by a single factor, how to multiply one column by another, and how to multiply a column by a row.

You can type the ARRAYFORMULA function directly after the equal sign, before the rest of the formula. However, you can also wait until you have completed the formula and use the keyboard shortcut to add it automatically. There are distinct benefits to using the shortcut: not only is it quicker, but it also allows you to focus on inputting the arrays or references correctly. Once you’re happy with the core formula, you can add the function instantly by pressing three keys.

How to Multiply a Column or Row by a Single Factor in Google Sheets?

To multiply the values in one column or row by a common factor, you can use the ARRAYFORMULA function with the asterisk (*) or simply use the asterisk, and the fill handle to copy the formula to the last value.

Asterisk (*) and ARRAYFORMULA

Follow the steps below to multiply a column of values by a common factor.

1. 1. In an empty cell, type the equal sign and select the column with the values.

1. 2. Type the asterisk symbol and select the cell with the common factor.

1. 3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Enter (Mac) to add the ARRAYFORMULA function.

1. 4. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.

Asterisk (*) and Autofill

Follow the steps below to use autofill to multiply the values in a column by a common factor.

1. 1. Type the equal sign and select the first cell in your column. Add an asterisk, followed by the common factor. Use absolute referencing for the common factor.

1. 2. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result. Grab the fill handle and drag it down to the row with the last value in your column.

How to Multiply One Column by Another in Google Sheets?

Using ARRAYFORMULA and the asterisk symbol, you can easily multiply the values in one column or row by the corresponding values in another column or row.

1. 1. In an empty cell, type the equal sign and select the first column or row with values.

1. 2. Type the asterisk symbol (*) and select the second column or row with values.

1. 3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Enter (Mac) to add the ARRAYFORMULA function.

1. 4. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.

How to Multiply Columns by Rows in Google Sheets?

The example below shows how to multiply the values in a column by the values in a row.

1. 1. In an empty cell, type the equal sign and select the column with the first set of values.

1. 2. Type the asterisk symbol (*) and select the row containing the second set of values.

1. 3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Enter (Mac) to add the ARRAYFORMULA function.

1. 4. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.

Conclusion

As you have seen, there are many ways to multiply in Google Sheets, including the asterisk symbol (*), the MULTIPLY function, and the PRODUCT function. However, you know that the MULTIPLY function is very limited, as you can only use it to multiply two scalar values.

You also know that the easiest way to multiply one array by another is by using the asterisk symbol and the ARRAYFORMULA function. Finally, you have step-by-step instructions on three different examples: how to multiply the values in a column by a single factor, by the corresponding values in another column, and by the values in a row.

Check out the guides below to learn more about performing other arithmetic operations in Google Sheets.

• How to Add Numbers in Google Sheets
• How to Subtract in Google Sheets Formula & Examples