MULTIPLY function

MULTIPLY returns the product of two numbers, commonly used to calculate total inventory value, costs, or other scalar quantities in spreadsheets.

=MULTIPLY(factor1, factor2)

Generate a MULTIPLY formula

Describe what you need. The generator will reach for MULTIPLY where MULTIPLY is the right tool, and tell you when it is not.

How to get a better answer
  • Name your columns by letter and by header: "column F (Net Value)" beats "the amount column".
  • State every condition, including the negatives — "not cancelled" changes the formula's shape.
  • Say where the data starts if it is not row 1, and whether it will grow.
  • Check the settings above match your spreadsheet: the wrong argument separator is a syntax error on your machine.

Arguments

How MULTIPLY reads its arguments
factor1requiredfactor2requiredMULTIPLY →
ArgumentRequiredDescription
factor1RequiredA number or cell reference. If text, returns #VALUE!. Empty cells are treated as 0.
factor2RequiredA number or cell reference. If text, returns #VALUE!. Empty cells are treated as 0.

Returns

Returns a number representing the mathematical product of the two factors.

Availability

Excel: Not available · Google Sheets: Supported

Worked examples

1. Calculate total inventory value for a product

SKUWarehouseOn HandReorder PointCost
WIDGET-001NY1505012.5
WIDGET-002LA75308.75
GADGET-001NY20010025
=MULTIPLY(C2, E2)

Result: 1875

The formula multiplies On Hand (C2: 150 units) by Cost per unit (E2: $12.50) to get the total dollar value of inventory on hand: $1,875. This is essential for valuing warehouse stock and understanding cash tied up in inventory.

2. Find dollar value at minimum inventory level

SKUWarehouseOn HandReorder PointCost
WIDGET-001NY1505012.5
WIDGET-002LA75308.75
GADGET-001NY20010025
=MULTIPLY(D3, E3)

Result: 656.25

By multiplying Reorder Point (D3: 30 units) by Cost per unit (E3: $8.75), we calculate the minimum safe stock value: $656.25. This helps managers understand financial exposure at reorder thresholds and plan emergency purchasing budgets.

3. Calculate storage space required for inventory

SKUWarehouseOn HandReorder PointCost
WIDGET-001NY1505012.5
WIDGET-002LA75308.75
GADGET-001NY20010025
=MULTIPLY(C2, 3)

Result: 450

If each WIDGET-001 unit requires 3 cubic feet of storage, MULTIPLY(150, 3) returns 450 cubic feet. This is useful for warehouse capacity planning and understanding space constraints when inventory levels fluctuate.

Common errors

Which MULTIPLY error are you seeing?
MULTIPLY returned an error#VALUE!
Ensure both arguments are numeric values or cell references containing numbers. Use VALUE() to convert text numbers to actual numbers if needed, e.g., =MULTIPLY(VALUE(A1), B1).
#REF!
Restore the deleted column or cells using undo (Ctrl+Z), or update the formula to reference existing cells. Check your formula bar when you see #REF! to identify which cell reference is invalid.
#NUM!
Reduce the magnitude of your inputs or restructure the calculation. For example, multiply rounded or scaled-down versions of your values, then adjust the result accordingly using DIVIDE.
ErrorWhy it happensHow to fix it
#VALUE!One or both arguments contain text strings instead of numbers. For example, =MULTIPLY('Ten', 5) or referencing a cell containing text like 'N/A' or 'Out of Stock'.Ensure both arguments are numeric values or cell references containing numbers. Use VALUE() to convert text numbers to actual numbers if needed, e.g., =MULTIPLY(VALUE(A1), B1).
#REF!A formula references a cell that has been deleted or moved. For example, if you delete column D but your formula still references D2, the formula becomes =MULTIPLY(#REF!, E2).Restore the deleted column or cells using undo (Ctrl+Z), or update the formula to reference existing cells. Check your formula bar when you see #REF! to identify which cell reference is invalid.
#NUM!The calculation result exceeds the maximum number Google Sheets can handle (approximately 9.9 × 10^307). This occurs when multiplying very large factor values that produce an astronomically large product.Reduce the magnitude of your inputs or restructure the calculation. For example, multiply rounded or scaled-down versions of your values, then adjust the result accordingly using DIVIDE.

Tips and when to use something else

  • Use the * operator as a shorthand: =C2*E2 is simpler and equivalent to =MULTIPLY(C2, E2). The * operator is more commonly used and preferred in spreadsheets.
  • When you need to find a unit rate or cost from a total, use DIVIDE instead: =DIVIDE(E2, C2) calculates cost per unit from total cost and quantity.
  • For conditional multiplication based on thresholds, combine MULTIPLY with IF: =IF(C2>100, MULTIPLY(C2, E2*0.9), MULTIPLY(C2, E2)) applies quantity discounts.
  • When multiplying by a constant (like storage space per unit), ensure the constant is accurate—a small error compounds across hundreds of inventory items and creates compounding inaccuracies.

Related functions

DIVIDEDIVIDE returns the quotient of one number divided by another, with support for error handling to prevent division-by-zero crashes.PLUSPLUS returns the sum of two numbers, making it ideal for combining values in retail calculations and data analysis.MINUSSubtracts the second number from the first number and returns the resulting difference, commonly used to find gaps between values.POWPOW returns a base number raised to the power of an exponent, used for scaling calculations, growth rates, and exponential effects.IFThe IF function returns one value if a condition is true and another (or nothing) if it is false, letting you branch logic in a cell.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use MULTIPLY for matrix multiplication?
No, MULTIPLY handles scalar values only—two individual numbers. For array or matrix operations in Google Sheets, use different approaches such as SUMPRODUCT or custom array formulas depending on your data structure.
What's the difference between MULTIPLY and the * operator?
They are functionally equivalent—both return the product of two numbers. Most users prefer the * operator because it's shorter and more intuitive. MULTIPLY exists for compatibility with certain applications and for readability in complex formulas.
How do I multiply a range of numbers by a single value?
Use an array formula with ARRAYFORMULA: =ARRAYFORMULA(MULTIPLY(A1:A10, 12)) multiplies each cell in the range by 12. The simpler * operator works too: =ARRAYFORMULA(A1:A10*12).
Why does MULTIPLY(A1, B1) return 0 when a cell is empty?
Google Sheets treats empty cells as 0 in numeric operations. If A1 is empty, MULTIPLY(A1, 5) returns 0. To treat empty cells differently, wrap them in IF: =IF(A1="", "", MULTIPLY(A1, 5)).

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Reviewed 2026-09-17