Don't understand this format

C

Chewie

Why does this work =B2:B12+C2:C12?
The answer in D2 is simply =B2*C2 and even if I copy down, it only
multiplies the first cells. My question is: What does a range signify when
it is out of a function? It seems to do nothing.
Thanks
 
T

T. Valko

The answer in D2 is simply =B2*C2

Actually, the answer is B2+C2

This is working because the formula is entered in D2 and it references cells
that reside within an implicit intersection as it relates to cell D2. In
other words, it works because the referenced cells and the formula are all
on the same row.

Try entering the formula in D1 and see what happens.
 
C

Chewie

Yes - I meant B2 + C2. But what is the purpose of having the range =B2:B12 +
C2:C12 when I just want to add B2 and C2. Is there any reason to include the
range or is it wrong? If it is wrong, it still creates the correct answer.
(I am reading this formula from a spreadsheet I did not create, but I need to
understand it). Thanks again
 
T

T. Valko

what is the purpose of having the range =B2:B12 + C2:C12
when I just want to add B2 and C2
Click to expand...

If you just want B2+C2 there is no reason to use the whole range. Why did
someone do it that way? I don't know!

Maybe they wanted the sum of each row but entered it as an array.

If you select the entire range D2:D12 then type in the formula and enter it
as an array** you'll get the sum of each row.

** array formulas need to be entered using the key combination of
CTRL,SHIFT,ENTER (not just ENTER)
 
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