Create a multiplication table

Let's say you want to help a child to better understand math concepts by creating a dynamic multiplication table. You can use a two-variable data table.

1. Set up a worksheet with the following structure.

   Example

   The example may be easier to understand if you copy it to a blank worksheet.

   How to copy an example

   1. Create a blank workbook or worksheet.

   2. Select the example in the Help topic.

      Note: Do not select the row or column headers.

      

      Selecting an example from Help

   3. Press CTRL+C.

   4. In the worksheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V.

   5. To switch between viewing the results and viewing the formulas that return the results, press CTRL+` (grave accent), or on the Formulas tab, in the Formula Auditing group, click the Show Formulas button.

2. Select and copy this example using the instructions in Step 1.

   1 2 3

   A 1 1 =A1*A2

3. Enter a column of values from A4 down, for example, 1 through 10.

4. Enter a row of values from B3 to the right, for example, 1 through 10.

5. Select all cells in the range except cells A1 and A2.

6. Click the Data tab, click What-If Analysis, and then click Data Table.

7. In the Row input cell box, enter A1, in the Column input cell box, enter A2, and then click OK.

8. Optionally, you can freeze the data table by converting the result to their values.

   How to copy values

   1. Select all resulting values in the data table.

   2. Click Copy , and then select the upper-left cell of the paste area.

   3. Click the arrow next to Paste , and then click Values.

      Note: Because the resulting values are in an array, you must convert all of the resulting values to constant values.