How to Multiply in Excel Using Paste Special Option

Sometimes in Excel, you need to perform some quick calculations. And, you can use paste special for these quick calculations instead of formulas.

In paste special, you have four different options [Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide] which you can use.

And today in this post, I'd like to show you how can you use paste special to multiply and (subtract, divided, and minus) as well.

Multiply in Excel using Paste Special Option

Let’s say, you have a data table with call tariff rates from India to other countries. And due to some hike in cost, you need to increase your tariff rates by 20%.

Now, rather than using the formula you can use paste special's multiply option here.

1. Select the cell in which you have your %age of increment(I have used 1.2 for increasing the tariff by 20%) and copy it.
2. Now, select the entire range on which you want to apply the calculation.
3. Use shortcut key [Alt + E + S] to get the paste special dialog box.
4. Go to Operation, select the “multiply” option, click okay.

In the above example, we have used an increased rate of multiplication. You can use the same way to add, subtract, and divide as well.

And When You have Cells with Formulas

Now, this is one of the most amazing things you can do with paste special. If you have some cell where you already have formulas, you can still use paste special.

In above example, the price is the sum of fixed cost (E2) and variable cost (E3). We have increased the price by 32.25%.

Paste Special for Dynamic Calculations

One more useful thing you can do with paste-special is, you can perform a dynamic calculation.

Let's say, you have a data set of five products for different zones and you have to calculate an incremental price for all the five products using different incremental rate.

Just select the all the cells having incremental rates and follow the same steps which we have used above.

1. Multiply -  Alt + V + H + M
2. Divide -  Alt + V + H + I
3. Add -  Alt + V + H + D
4. Subtract -  Alt + V + H + S

Conclusion

Using paste special to multiply and for other small calculations is a time saver. If those calculations are one time then there is no need to use formulas.

This method is quick, simple, and easy.

Now tell me one thing. Have you ever tried this before?

Share your views with me in the comment box, I'd love to hear from you. And, please don't forget to share this tip with your friends.