SUM Function in Sheets

SUM Function

The SUM Function is a quick and easy way of adding up individual figures or lists of figures in Sheets.

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,

1. Click on the cell where you want the answer

2. Click on the Functions icon (the Greek letter sigma – looks like a backwards E)

3. Choose SUM

4. Click and drag over the cells you want to add

Shortcut

In Sheets, you can highlight the cells you want to total, then in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen find Sum: total (next to Explore )

To see more calculations, click on Sum (next to Explore). You can then choose from Average, Minimum, Maximum, Count or Count numbers.

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.