A little more information about how you're entering the information and what
you're trying to calculate would help.
An easy way to add a long list of numbers is to simply enter each one into a
single cell in a column, as
4[Enter]
7[Enter]
8[Enter]
22[Enter]
Then in the cell right below the the last entry, enter the formula:
=sum(a1:A4)[Enter]
Where a1 is the address of the cell with the first number in it and a4 is
the last address in the list. A quick way of doing that is to simply choose
that cell right below the list of numbers and double-click on the Sigma
symbol (backward-E looking thing) in the Excel menu bar; it will put the
formula in automatically for you. In Excel 2007, the Sigma is on the Home
group, in the Editing group and is marked with "AutoSum" next to it.

As to which is easier to use, I suppose it all depends on how used to the
tool you are. Advantages of Excel are visibility of the entries (unless
you're using a calculator with printed tape output) and quick revising of
formulas using the data in the event that you find you need to evaluate the
data in a whole new way, and in general it helps remove the human error
factor from the equation (typos, skipped numbers, fat-fingering, etc).

Remember that you can treat cells with numbers in them like the numbers
themselves. Let's say you have need to calculate a running balance (as in a
checkbook): Deposits/credits in column A, checks/debits in B and balance in
C, starting with row 2:
A B C
1 credits debits balance
2 100 =A2-B2 gives you initial balance
3 25 =C2+A3-B3 gives you running balance
4 50 10 =C3+A4-B4
5 73 =C4+A5-B5
the great part about this is that you don't have to keep typing the formula
in column C with each new row, you can simply "fill" the formula into now
cells/rows as the data in A and B grows. See Excel help on "fill data" on
ways to do that.

One more advantage of using Excel over a calculator: these groups which are
always available and filled with experienced users who can help you make your
learning experience much less stressful.






"Steveclark" wrote:


I have a lot of sums I have to add up, and was advised by my boss that
it would be best to use Excel to do it; however, i'm having a hard time
figuring out how to add all these numbers together using excel. I tried
the tutorial and it's not really giving much info. Which is most
convenient to use, Excel, or a calculator? And if it's Excel, then how
do you get it to do the math? Any help appreciated thanks.




--
Steveclark
.