How to Use Multiply Sign in Excel (Including 3 Alternatives)

**How to Use the Multiply Sign (*, the Asterisk) for Multiplication in Excel**

We will use Asterisk (*) to multiply the quantity and unit price for each item in the sample dataset. For that, we have added a new column named Total Price.

In cell E5, enter the following formula.

=C5*D5

It is the alternative to 10*2, we used cell reference instead.

Press Enter to get the output.
Drag down the Fill Handle icon to copy the formula for the other items.

The total price of all the items is calculated by using the multiply sign (*).

Alternatives to Multiply Sign for Multiplication in Excel

Method 1 – Applying PRODUCT Function to Multiply in Excel

Enter the following formula in cell E5.

=PRODUCT(C5,D5)

It will multiply the value of cells C5 and D5, equivalent to 10*2. If you want to multiply three values of cells C5, D5 and E5, the formula will be:

=PRODUCT(C5,D5,E5)

Press Enter to get the result.

You will get the same output as the output of using Asterisk (*).

Use the Fill Handle tool to copy the formula.

It will output all the results.

Read More: How to Type Math Symbols in Excel

Method 2 – Inserting Excel SUMPRODUCT Function to Multiply

In cell D11, enter the following formula.

=SUMPRODUCT(C5:C9,D5:D9)

Press Enter.

It will display the output of the sum product.

3. Using Paste Special Tool to Multiply in Excel

In the sample dataset, we have to pay 3% VAT for each item. To find the amount of VAT for each item, we’ll have to multiply the total values by 3%. Now let’s see how to do it using the Paste Special command.

We have added a new column to the sample dataset to find the VAT.