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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.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Equal Sign First Factor
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Equal Sign & First Factor
  1. 2. Add an asterisk (*), followed by the second value. Repeat this step to add more values.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Asterisk Second Factor
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Asterisk (*) & Second Factor
  1. 3. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Multiplication Result
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Multiplication Result
  1. 4. Alternatively, you can reference the cells containing the values.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Multiplication Result with Cell References
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Multiplication Result with Cell References

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.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples MULTIPLY Function
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - MULTIPLY Function
  1. 2. Select the cell with the first factor, add a comma, and then select the cell with the second factor.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Add Factors
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Add Factors
  1. 3. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples MULTIPLY Result
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - MULTIPLY 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.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples PRODUCT Function
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - PRODUCT Function
  1. 2. Add each factor or array of factors to the function, separated by commas.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Add Factors 2
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Add Factors
  1. 3. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples PRODUCT Result
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - PRODUCT 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.

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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.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Equal Sign Column with Values
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Equal Sign & Column with Values
  1. 2. Type the asterisk symbol and select the cell with the common factor.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Asterisk Common Factor
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Asterisk & Common Factor
  1. 3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Enter (Mac) to add the ARRAYFORMULA function.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Add ARRAYFORMULA Function
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Add ARRAYFORMULA Function
  1. 4. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Column by Common Factor Result
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Column by Common Factor 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.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Use Asterisk Between First Value in Column Common Factor
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Use Asterisk Between First Value in Column & 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 in Google Sheets Examples Autofill Formula
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Autofill Formula
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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.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Equal Sign First Column
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Equal Sign & First Column
  1. 2. Type the asterisk symbol (*) and select the second column or row with values.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Asterisk Second Column
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Asterisk & Second Column
  1. 3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Enter (Mac) to add the ARRAYFORMULA function.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Add ARRAYFORMULA Function 2
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Add ARRAYFORMULA Function
  1. 4. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Column by Column Results
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Column by Column Results

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.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Equal Sign Column with Values 2
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Equal Sign & Column with Values
  1. 2. Type the asterisk symbol (*) and select the row containing the second set of values.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Asterisk Row with Values
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Asterisk & Row with Values
  1. 3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Enter (Mac) to add the ARRAYFORMULA function.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Add ARRAYFORMULA Function 3
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Add ARRAYFORMULA Function
  1. 4. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.
How to Multiply in Google Sheets Examples Column by Row Results
How to Multiply in Google Sheets (+ Examples) - Column by Row Results

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.

Hady ElHady
Hady is Content Lead at Layer.

Hady has a passion for tech, marketing, and spreadsheets. Besides his Computer Science degree, he has vast experience in developing, launching, and scaling content marketing processes at SaaS startups.

Originally published Mar 4 2023, Updated Jun 26 2023

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