Using Microsoft Excel for Simple Calculations

What is the correct keyboard shortcut to start the Sum function in Microsoft Excel?

a) Ctrl + =

b) Alt + =

Answer:

The correct keyboard shortcut to start the Sum function in Microsoft Excel is Alt + =.

When working with Microsoft Excel for simple calculations, it is important to know the right shortcuts to enhance productivity. In this case, the correct shortcut to start the Sum function in Excel is Alt + =, not Ctrl + = as some may think. Using Alt + = will automatically add a formula that sums the numbers in a contiguous range adjacent to the active cell, saving you time and effort.

To manually enter the Sum function, you would select the cell where you want the sum to appear, type =SUM(), and highlight the range of cells you want to add up inside the parentheses. Understanding these shortcuts and functions can greatly improve your efficiency when working with Excel spreadsheets.