When you work in Excel, you often need to calculate numbers. Addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication are the most common tasks.
Most people know the multiplication symbol `*`, but Excel also provides a special function called PRODUCT.
This function makes multiplication easier, especially when you have many numbers or a whole range of cells.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What the PRODUCT function is
- The formula structure
- Examples with step-by-step explanations
- The difference between * and PRODUCT
- Common mistakes and tips
What is the PRODUCT Function?
The PRODUCT function multiplies numbers in Excel.
It can multiply:
- Individual numbers
- Cell references
- Ranges of cells
Instead of typing
=A1*A2*A3,
you can simply write
=PRODUCT(A1:A3)
Syntax (Formula):
=PRODUCT(number1, [number2], …)
number1 → The first number or range
number2 → More numbers or ranges
Here’s the simple table we’ll use for examples.
| A | B |
| 2 | 4 |
| 3 | 2 |
| 4 | 3 |
Example 1 – Multiply Two Numbers:
Formula:
=PRODUCT(A2,B2)
Result → 8 (2 × 4)
Example 2 – Multiply a Range of Numbers
Formula:
=PRODUCT(A2:A4)
How Excel calculates:
- Step 1: 2 × 3 = 6
- Step 2: 6 × 4 = 24
Result → 24
👉 Much simpler than typing `=A2*A3*A4`.
Example 3 – Multiply Range with Another Cell
=PRODUCT(A2:A4,B2)
How Excel calculates:
- Range A2:A4 = 2 × 3 × 4 = 24
- Multiply with B2 = 24 × 4 = 96
Result = 96
Example 4 – Mix Cell References and Numbers
You can mix numbers directly with cell references:
=PRODUCT(A2:A4, 5)
- Here A2:A4 = (2 × 3 × 4 = 24)
- 24 × 5 = 120
Result = 120
Difference Between * and PRODUCT:
| Method | Example | Best For |
| Multiplication Operator (*) | =A1* A2*A3 | Few numbers |
| PRODUCT Function | =PRODUCT(A1:A3) | Large ranges |
If you have a long list, PRODUCT is faster and easier.
Common Mistakes & Tips:
Mistake 1: Using text or blank cells
If the range includes text or Blank cells, PRODUCT ignores these cells.
Tip: Always check your data before applying PRODUCT or any function.
Mistake 2: Using PRODUCT with only one number
Example: `=PRODUCT(5)` → Returns 5 (works, but no real multiplication).
Tip: Use PRODUCT when multiplying two or more numbers.
Real-Life Uses of PRODUCT
- Calculate total price = Quantity × Price per unit.
- Multiply marks across subjects (for weighted scores).
- Multiply ratios or percentages.
- Work with financial models where many values must be multiplied.
The PRODUCT function in Excel makes multiplication simple, especially when working with multiple cells or large ranges.
- Use * for quick multiplication with 2–3 numbers.
- Use PRODUCT when dealing with lists, ranges, or multiple arguments.
Mastering PRODUCT will save time and reduce typing errors in your spreadsheets.