Excel functions / Maths & statistics
SUM
Adds numbers together: single cells, ranges, or both.
Syntax
=SUM(number1, [number2], ...)Arguments
number1, number2, ... | Cells, ranges or numbers to add. A range such as B2:B5 counts every cell in it. |
|---|
How it works
SUM is the function most people learn first, and the one they use most. Give it a range and it adds everything in it, skipping blanks and text.
You can mix ranges and single cells, separated by commas: =SUM(B2:B5,D2).
In Excel, Alt + = inserts a SUM for the cells above in one keystroke.
Example
| A | B | C | D | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Region | Rep | Sales | ||
| 2 | East | Ana | 500 | 1750 | |
| 3 | West | Ben | 300 | ||
| 4 | East | Cal | 250 | ||
| 5 | West | Dee | 700 | ||
| 6 |
Result: 1750. Adds all four sales figures.
Tips
- Numbers stored as text are skipped. If a total looks too small, check for green triangles in the corner of cells.
Practise SUM
Try it yourself in a real spreadsheet, with instant feedback on every answer.