Excel PRODUCT Function
The PRODUCT function in Microsoft Excel multiplies all numbers in a range or set of cells. It is an alternative to using multiplication operators (*) and is useful for calculating products of quantities, prices, or other numerical data.
Key Topics
- Overview of PRODUCT Function
- PRODUCT Function Syntax
- Implementation Examples
- Sample Dataset
- Key Takeaways
Overview of PRODUCT Function
The PRODUCT function multiplies all numerical values in a specified range or set of cells, ignoring text, blank cells, or errors. It simplifies calculations involving multiple multiplications.
PRODUCT Function Syntax
The syntax for the PRODUCT function is as follows:
Syntax: =PRODUCT(number1, [number2], ...)
Parameters:
- number1: The first number or range to multiply (required).
- number2, ...: Additional numbers or ranges to multiply (optional).
Implementation Examples
Below are examples of how to use the PRODUCT function in different scenarios.
Example 1: =PRODUCT(B2:B6) — Multiplies all values in B2 through B6.
Example 2: =PRODUCT(B2, C2) — Multiplies values in cells B2 and C2.
Example 3: =PRODUCT(B2:B6, 2) — Multiplies all values in B2:B6 by 2.
Sample Dataset (Excel-style View)
Below is a demo dataset styled like Excel, showing how the PRODUCT function can be used to calculate the product of quantities and rates.
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Quantity | Unit Price | Total Cost |
| 2 | Pen | 10 | 5 | =PRODUCT(B2,C2) |
| 3 | Notebook | 8 | 15 | =PRODUCT(B3,C3) |
| 4 | Marker | 12 | 7 | =PRODUCT(B4,C4) |
| 5 | Paper | 20 | 3 | =PRODUCT(B5,C5) |
| 6 | Stapler | 5 | 10 | =PRODUCT(B6,C6) |
Note: In the dataset, column D uses the PRODUCT function to calculate the total cost for each item. For example, cell D2 uses =PRODUCT(B2,C2) to multiply Quantity (B2) by Unit Price (C2).
Key Takeaways
- The PRODUCT function multiplies numerical values in a range or set of cells.
- It ignores text, blank cells, and errors, focusing only on numbers.
- It supports multiple ranges or constants, e.g.,
=PRODUCT(B2:B6, 2). - Common uses include calculating total costs or compounded factors in datasets.
- The sample dataset shows PRODUCT applied to calculate total costs from quantities and unit prices.