SUM Function
The SUM Function is a quick and easy way of adding up individual figures or lists of figures in Excel.
What it does…
Adds up individual cells or ranges of cells.
Syntax
=SUM(cellref:cellref)
=SUM(1,2,3,4,5)
=SUM(1,2,cellref:cellref)
Examples
=SUM(A1:A10)
=SUM(1,2,A2:A12)
Instructions
To use the SUM function in Sheets,
- Click on the cell where you want the answer
- Click on AutoSum (the Greek letter sigma – looks like a backwards E)
- Choose SUM
- Press Enter
Shortcut
In Excel, click into the cell where you want your answer and press Alt + =
Note – SUM ignores empty cells and cells containing text .
Click on the download button above, if you want to download a copy of the example used. You will be asked if you want to make a copy of the spreadsheet. Click on Make a copy. A copy will then download into your Google Drive
The SUM function is usually the first (and sometimes the only!) function people use in a spreadsheet. Other useful functions in Sheets include MAX, MIN and AVERAGE. To return to the resources page, just click here.