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The SUMIF function adds numbers that meet a single condition. This guide explains how SUMIF works and includes practical examples you can use immediately.

WHAT THE SUMIF FUNCTION DOES

SUMIF totals values from a range that match one specific criterion. It's ideal for filtering and totaling values based on a single condition — such as summing sales in a specific region, totaling expenses above a threshold, or adding values that match a text pattern.

If you need to apply multiple conditions, use SUMIFS instead.

WHEN TO USE SUMIF

Use SUMIF when you want to:

  • Sum values that match a single condition
  • Filter and total data based on one criterion
  • Use a simpler alternative to SUMIFS when only one filter is needed

How is this different from SUMIFS?
SUMIF is designed for just one condition. It exists to simplify cases where SUMIFS would be overkill. If you find yourself adding multiple conditions, switch to SUMIFS.

FORMULA SYNTAX
SUMIF(range, criteria, [sum_range])
ArgumentDescription
rangeThe range of cells to test the condition against
criteriaThe condition to apply, like "East" or ">=100"
sum_range(optional) The range to sum if different from range
EXAMPLE 1: SUM SALES WHERE REGION IS EAST

We want to sum all sales where the region is East.

AB
1RegionSales
2East100
3West200
4East150
5North250
=SUMIF(A2:A5, "East", B2:B5)

Result: 100 + 150 = 250

Need help applying this? Try this in Numstro Builder

EXAMPLE 2: SUM ORDERS GREATER THAN $500

We want to sum all order amounts greater than 500.

AB
1CustomerOrder Total
2Alice600
3Bob450
4Carol720
5David300
=SUMIF(B2:B5, ">500")

Result: 600 + 720 = 1320

Need help applying this? Try this in Numstro Builder

COMMON MISTAKES & EDGE CASES
  • If sum_range is omitted, range is summed
  • Text or logical criteria must be enclosed in quotes
  • Wildcards "*" and "?" are supported
  • Only one condition is allowed — use SUMIFS for more
  • All ranges must be the same size if both range and sum_range are used
RELATED FUNCTIONS
  • SUMIFS — multiple condition version
  • COUNTIF — count with one condition
  • AVERAGEIF — average with one condition
FURTHER READING

Official Microsoft documentation:
SUMIF — Microsoft Support