Adding Up in Calc for Beginners

In this quick guide, let's explore how to add two numbers using LibreOffice Calc, the free and open-source spreadsheet software. I'll walk you through the process of entering and adding two numbers or cells step by step. It's quite straightforward and there are several ways to do it.

To perform addition in Calc

• You can write a formula using the addition operator +
  

  

• Alternatively, you can use the SUM() function
  

Both methods yield the sum of the two numbers or cells.

Which one to choose? The first method is very simple and is preferable if you're only adding a few numbers or cells. However, when you have more than three cells or numbers to add up, I recommend using the SUM() function. It's faster and more practical, and also minimizes the risk of typing errors.

A Practical Example

How to Add Two Numbers

To add two or more numbers, use a mathematical formula in a spreadsheet cell.

For example, to add the numbers 2 and 3, select cell B2 and enter the formula =2+3 inside it.

The spreadsheet will return the sum, which is 5. This way, you can easily perform basic mathematical operations without having to calculate them manually.

How to Add Two Cells

Enter the numbers 2 and 3 in cells B2 and B3, respectively.

Then, input the formula =B2+B3 in cell B5.

The calculation software reads the values in cells B2 and B3 and returns the sum, which is 5.

This calculation technique is very handy when you need to add a few cells. However, it can become more challenging to manage as the number of cells increases.

Note. The cells you want to add do not necessarily have to be adjacent to each other. You can add more than two cells or combine cell sums with added numbers. For example, the formula =B2+B3+B4 adds the three indicated cells, while the formula =B2+3 adds cell B2 to the number 3. There are many other possible combinations of cells and numbers you can use.

How to Add Many Cells

Enter a series of data in the cell range from B2 to B6.

Then write the formula =B2+B3+B4+B5+B6 in cell B8

The sheet reads the values in the cells you've indicated, performs the sum 1+2+3+4+5, and displays the result (15) in cell B8.

However, typing all the numbers can become very tedious and inefficient. Plus, you might make mistakes during typing.

In these cases, you can achieve the same result using the =SUM() function

For instance, insert the function =SUM(B2:B6) in cell B8.

The spreadsheet sums the values in the cell range B2:B6, returning the result, which is 15.

This is a much more practical solution if you need to add many cells.

Moreover, you can easily modify the range of cells to be summed by simply changing the cell references in the =sum() formula.