The SUM
function in Microsoft Excel is a tool for adding a range of values. The SUM
function may help us rapidly get the total, whether we’re dealing with a simple set of data or a more complex spreadsheet.
The basic syntax for the SUM
function is as follows:
=SUM(number1, number2, ...)
Here, number1
and number2
represents the cell number or any numeric value. It's worth noting that we have the flexibility to include additional cells as needed.
Note: Instead of using explicit values, we can also use ranges or cell references.
Following are the basic examples of how to use SUM
:
=SUM(10,20,30)
=SUM(A1,A2,A3)
=SUM(A1:A3)
The following is a step-by-step guide to using the SUM
function:
Select the cell: We click on the cell where we want the sum to appear.
Use the SUM function: We type =SUM(
into the selected cell.
Select the range: If we want to sum the values in cells A1 to A5, there are two ways to achieve the desired result:
We can enter “A1:A5” after the opening parenthesis and then close the parenthesis and press “Enter.” The formula should look something like this: =SUM(A1:A5)
.
We can also enter “A1,A2,A3,A4,A5” after the opening parenthesis and then close the parenthesis and press “Enter.” The formula should look something like this: =SUM(A1,A2,A3,A4,A5)
.
Let’s now apply the steps above on our dataset. Let's suppose we have the following dataset:
Now, our objective is to determine the total sales generated by the given dataset. We aim to calculate the sum of sales for all the products mentioned in the dataset. There are two ways to calculate the sum. Let’s use both:
First we select the cell, where we need to calculate the sum. Let’s suppose here the cell number is B12. After we select the “cell(B12),” write the following in the cell:
=SUM(B2,B3,B4,B5,B6,B7,B8,B9)
Let's visualize the above steps in action.
Note: As we can see in the slides above, when multiple cells are added, the system automatically highlights the cell number and alters its color for easier identification.
If an empty cell is included in a sum formula and subsequently populated with a value, the total in cell B12, where the sum is calculated, will automatically update to reflect the new value.
First we select the cell, where we need to calculate the sum. Let’s suppose here the cell number is B12. After we select the “cell(B12),” write the following in the cell:
=SUM(B2:B9)
Let's visualize the steps above in action.
If any of the given values are not numbers, it throws the #VALUE!
Error.
Unlock your potential: MS Excel essentials series, all in one place!
To deepen your understanding of MS Excel, explore our series of Answers below:
How to create MS Excel files using Python
Learn how to generate and manipulate Excel files using Python libraries like openpyxl
and pandas
.
How to create MS Excel files using Julia
Discover how to create and modify Excel files using Julia with packages like XLSX.jl
for data analysis.
Common aggregate functions in MS Excel
Explore key aggregate functions like SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, and MIN to perform data calculations efficiently.
How to count values in MS Excel
Learn to count cells, numbers, and specific values using functions like COUNT
, COUNTA
, and COUNTIF
.
How to calculate sum in MS Excel
Use the SUM
function to add numbers across rows, columns, and custom ranges.
How to calculate average in MS Excel
Apply the AVERAGE
function to find the mean of a dataset quickly.
How to calculate maximum in MS Excel
Learn how to use the MAX
function to find the highest value in a range.
How to calculate the product in MS Excel
Use the PRODUCT
function to multiply values in a selected range.
How to calculate the median in MS Excel
Understand how the MEDIAN
function determines the middle value in a dataset.
How to calculate minimum in MS Excel
Use the MIN
function to identify the smallest value within a range.
How to calculate the mode in MS Excel
Find the most frequently occurring value using the MODE
function.
Calculate student grades from percentage in MS Excel
Learn how to automate grade calculation using conditional formulas like IF
, LOOKUP
, and VLOOKUP
.
Free Resources