The SUM function adds numbers in Excel from cells, ranges, or individual values. This guide explains how SUM works and includes practical examples you can use immediately.
WHAT THE SUM FUNCTION DOES
The SUM function totals numeric values across one or more cells. It's commonly used for adding expenses, summing sales or quantities, and combining values across different ranges in spreadsheets.
WHEN TO USE SUM
Use SUM when you want to:
- Add numbers in a column or row
- Total expenses, sales, or quantities
- Combine multiple ranges into one total
- Build budgets, models, or reports that need totals
FORMULA SYNTAX
SUM(number1, [number2], ...)| Argument | Description |
|---|---|
number1 | The first number, cell reference, or range |
number2 | Additional numbers, cell references, or ranges (optional) |
EXAMPLE 1: SUM A COLUMN OF EXPENSES
We want to calculate the total monthly expenses.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Expense | Amount |
| 2 | Rent | 1200 |
| 3 | Utilities | 150 |
| 4 | Groceries | 300 |
| 5 | Gas | 80 |
| 6 | Total | =SUM(B2:B5) |
=SUM(B2:B5)Result: 1730 (1200 + 150 + 300 + 80)
Need help applying this? Try this in Numstro Builder
EXAMPLE 2: SUM MULTIPLE RANGES AND INDIVIDUAL CELLS
We want to total quarterly sales across several columns plus a bonus.
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
| 2 | 5000 | 6000 | 5500 | 7000 |
| 3 | Bonus: 1000 |
=SUM(A2:D2, A3)Result: 24500 (5000 + 6000 + 5500 + 7000 + 1000)
Need help applying this? Try this in Numstro Builder
COMMON MISTAKES & EDGE CASES
- Text values are ignored (treated as 0)
- Empty cells are ignored
- Error values (#DIV/0!, #VALUE!) break the result
- SUM can handle up to 255 separate inputs
- Use SUMIF or SUMIFS when you need conditional totals
RELATED FUNCTIONS
FURTHER READING
Official Microsoft documentation:
SUM — Microsoft Support