Do you use the Windows Calculator to perform quick calculations while building spreadsheets in Excel? You can save time by adding the Calculator to the Quick Access Toolbar in Excel so you don’t have to leave the program to access the Calculator.

To do this, click the down arrow on the right side of the Quick Access Toolbar and select More Commands from the drop-down menu.

01_selecting_more_commands_from_qat_menu

On the Quick Access Toolbar screen on the Excel Options dialog box, select Commands Not in the Ribbon from the Choose commands from drop-down list.

02_selecting_commands_not_in_ribbon

Scroll down in the long list and select Calculator. Click Add to add the Calculator to the Quick Access Toolbar.

03_adding_calculator

Click OK to accept the change and close the Excel Options dialog box.

04_closing_options_dialog

You’ll see a Calculator icon on the Quick Access Toolbar. When you move your mouse over the icon, a hint displays saying “Custom.” Despite the label, when you click the icon, the Windows Calculator opens.

05_clicking_calc_button

The same procedure works for adding the Windows Calculator to Excel 2010, as well.