# How to multiply a column by the same number in Excel

Put the number in a cell and lock it with $: =B2*$E$1, then fill down.

**Excel:** `=B2*$F$1` (Every current version)

**Google Sheets:** the same formula works.

## Example

Sample data (row 1 is the header):

| A | B | C | D | E | F |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Price (EUR) | Price (USD) |  | EUR→USD rate | 1.08 |
| Lamp | 39 |  |  |  |  |
| Chair | 249 |  |  |  |  |
| Desk | 449 |  |  |  |  |
| Monitor | 189.5 |  |  |  |  |
| Headset | 129 |  |  |  |  |

Formula in C2, filled to C6: `=B2*$F$1`

Result: $42.12; $268.92; $484.92; $204.66; $139.32

## How it works

The dollar signs lock `$F$1`, so every row multiplies by the same rate while `B2` moves to B3, B4 and so on. Keeping the rate in its own cell means you change it once and every price updates.

## Other ways

- `=B2*F$1`: Locking only the row is enough when you fill down one column.

## Common mistakes

- Without the $, filling down multiplies by F2, F3… which are empty, giving 0.
- Typing the number into the formula (`=B2*1.08`) works, but every formula must be edited when the rate changes.

## Questions

**How do I multiply in place without a new column?**

Copy the rate cell, select the prices, then Paste Special → Multiply. The values change permanently.

**How do I multiply two columns?**

Use `=B2*C2` and fill down, or `=SUMPRODUCT(B2:B6,C2:C6)` for the total.

Every formula and result on this page was checked by running it in the Spreadsheet Practice formula engine on 2026-10-29.

Source: https://spreadsheetpractice.com/formulas/multiply-a-column-by-a-number