Concept Flow
[Select range A1:A3] → [Select range B1:B3] → [Multiply each pair element-wise] → [Return array result]
The array formula takes two ranges of cells, multiplies each corresponding pair of values, and returns an array of results.
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Array formulas basics in Excel - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace
Formula
{=A1:A3 * B1:B3}This is an array formula entered with Ctrl+Shift+Enter in Excel, multiplying each element in A1:A3 by the corresponding element in B1:B3.
Step-by-Step Trace
| Step | Operation | Values in A1:A3 | Values in B1:B3 | Result Array |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Select range A1:A3 | [10, 20, 30] | - | - |
| 2 | Select range B1:B3 | - | [5, 15, 25] | - |
| 3 | Multiply element-wise | [10, 20, 30] | [5, 15, 25] | [50, 300, 750] |
The final result is an array of products for each pair of cells.
Variable Tracker
| Variable | Value |
|---|---|
| A1:A3 | [10, 20, 30] |
| B1:B3 | [5, 15, 25] |
| Result | [50, 300, 750] |
Key Moments
Why do we need to enter the formula with Ctrl+Shift+Enter?
What happens if the ranges A1:A3 and B1:B3 are not the same size?
Can array formulas return multiple results in multiple cells?
Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions
Test your understanding
What does the array formula {=A1:A3 * B1:B3} return?
Key Result
Array formulas in Excel allow you to perform calculations on multiple values at once, returning arrays of results. They require special entry (Ctrl+Shift+Enter) and operate element-wise on ranges of the same size.
Transcript
In this example, we have two columns of numbers. The array formula multiplies each number in column A by the corresponding number in column B. We select the ranges A1:A3 and B1:B3, then multiply them element-wise. The result is an array of products: 50, 300, and 750. To enter this formula correctly, you press Ctrl+Shift+Enter, which tells Excel to treat it as an array formula. If you don't, Excel will only calculate the first product. This is a simple way to perform multiple calculations at once without writing separate formulas for each cell.