Formula Guide

The Excel PRODUCT Function
explained simply

PRODUCT multiplies all the numbers in a range together — the multiplication equivalent of SUM.

ExcelPro · 3 min read · Updated June 2026
Contents
  1. What does PRODUCT do?
  2. Syntax
  3. 3 examples
  4. FAQ

What does PRODUCT do?

PRODUCT multiplies together every number in a range or list, returning a single result.

It is rarely needed for just two numbers (A1*A2 is simpler), but becomes genuinely useful with longer ranges, since typing =A1*A2*A3*A4*A5 gets unwieldy fast.

Syntax

=PRODUCT(number1, [number2], ...)
ArgumentDescription
number1 requiredThe first number or range.
number2, ... optionalAdditional numbers or ranges to multiply in.

Examples

Example 1
Multiply a range
=PRODUCT(A1:A5)

Multiplies all 5 values in A1:A5 together.

Example 2
Multiply a range by a single cell
=PRODUCT(A1:A5,B1)

Multiplies the product of A1:A5 by whatever is in B1 as well.

Example 3
Compare to manual multiplication
=A1*A2*A3

For just 3 cells, plain multiplication is just as readable as PRODUCT(A1:A3) — PRODUCT earns its keep with longer ranges.

Common mistakes

⚠️ Using PRODUCT when SUMPRODUCT is what you need

PRODUCT multiplies everything together into one number. SUMPRODUCT multiplies matching pairs from two ranges and adds the results — a very different operation.

FAQ

Does PRODUCT ignore blank cells?
Yes, blanks and text are ignored, similar to how SUM treats them.

Practise PRODUCT with real data

ExcelPro has hands-on PRODUCT exercises built into real job scenarios — free to start.

Try PRODUCT exercises →

Related formulas

SUM SUMPRODUCT POWER