Formulas and references shortcuts
AutoSum shortcut in Excel
The keys
| Shortcut | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| AutoSum the cells above or to the leftCheck the dashed border before you press Enter: it stops at the first blank cell. | Alt+= or Alt+H, U, S | Shift+Command+T |
Checked against Microsoft's official lists on . Where Microsoft lists a key for one platform only, the other column says so instead of guessing.
Totals for a whole table at once
Select the numbers plus one empty row below them (and one empty column to the right, for row totals too), then press Alt+=. Excel writes a SUM into every empty total cell in one go.
On Windows, Alt+H, U, S also inserts a SUM from the Home tab, and the same AutoSum menu holds Average, Count, Max and Min.
Why AutoSum picks the wrong range
- It stops at the first blank cell or the first text cell above, so a gap in the column gives a short range. Drag or type the right range before pressing Enter.
- It may include a year or ID column of numbers next to the totals. Check the dashed border.
- Numbers stored as text are skipped by SUM. A green triangle in the corner is the clue; see numbers stored as text.
- More fixes are in AutoSum picking the wrong range.
AutoSum on a filtered list
If the list is filtered, AutoSum writes SUBTOTAL(9, ...) instead of SUM, so the total follows the filter. That is intended: SUBTOTAL ignores rows the filter hides.
Why a shortcut sometimes does nothing
Non-US keyboards
Microsoft's lists are written for the US keyboard layout and say that keys on other layouts might not correspond exactly. Shortcuts named after a symbol, such as Ctrl+;, Ctrl+` or Ctrl+Shift+$, are the ones most likely to sit somewhere else or not work. When one does nothing, use the ribbon route on its task page instead.
Related shortcuts
| Shortcut | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Put the same entry in every selected cell How to: Fill down shortcut in Excel Select the cells, type once, then press it. A formula goes in with its references adjusted for each cell. | Ctrl+Enter | Command+Return or Control+Return |
| Insert a function (Insert Function dialog, Formula Builder on a Mac) How to: Insert function shortcut in Excel | Shift+F3 | Shift+F3 |
| Calculate all open workbooks How to: Recalculate shortcuts in Excel (F9) Only needed when calculation is set to Manual. While editing a formula, F9 replaces the selected part with its value. | F9 | F9 or Command+= |
FAQ
What is the AutoSum shortcut in Excel?
Alt+= on Windows and Excel for the web, Shift+Cmd+T on a Mac.
Why does Alt+= not work on my keyboard?
On some layouts = needs Shift or sits elsewhere. Use Home > AutoSum, or type =SUM( and select the range.
Can AutoSum add a row instead of a column?
Yes. Click the empty cell to the right of the row and press the shortcut. When there are numbers both above and to the left, it prefers the column above.
Related guides
- How to sum a column in ExcelClick the empty cell under the column and press Alt+= (AutoSum), then Enter.
- Excel AutoSum selecting the wrong rangeAutoSum guesses its range from the block of numbers next to the active cell, so a blank row, a number stored as text or a subtotal row breaks the guess.
- Why your Excel SUM is not adding up correctlyIf the total is off by a cent or two, the cells hold more decimals than they show: SUM adds the full values, not the rounded ones you see.
Related functions
In the glossary: AutoSum
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