What function adds all of the numbers in a range of cells?
The SUM function in excel adds the numerical values in a range of cells. Being categorized under the Math and Trigonometry function, it is entered by typing “=SUM” followed by the values to be summed. The values supplied to the function can be numbers, cell references or ranges. Show
For example, cells B1, B2, and B3 contain 20, 44, and 67 respectively. The formula “=SUM(B1:B3)” adds the numbers of the cells B1 to B3. It returns 131. The SUM formula automatically updates with the insertion or deletion of a value. It also includes the changes made to an existing cell range. Moreover, the function ignores the empty cells and text values. Table of contentsThe Syntax of the SUM Excel FunctionThe syntax of the function is shown in the following image: The function accepts the following arguments:
The “number1” argument is required while the subsequent numbers (“number 2”, “number 3”, etc.) are optional. The Procedure to Enter the SUM Function in ExcelYou can download this SUM Function Excel Template here – To enter the SUM function manually, type “=SUM” followed by the arguments. The alternative steps to enter the SUM excel function are listed as follows:
2. From the drop-down menu that opens, select the SUM option. 3. In the “function arguments” dialog box, enter the arguments of the SUM function. Click “Ok” to obtain the output. The AutoSum Option in ExcelThe AutoSum option is the fastest way to add numbers in a range of cells. It automatically enters the SUM formula in the selected cell. Let us work on an example to understand the working of the AutoSum option. We want to sum the list of values in A2:A7, shown in the succeeding image. The steps to use the AutoSum command are listed as follows:
How to Use the SUM Function in Excel?Let us consider a few examples to understand the usage of the SUM function. The examples #1 to #5 show an image containing a list of numeric values. Example #1We want to sum the cells A2 and A3 shown in the succeeding image. Apply the formula “=SUM(A2, A3).” It returns 20.7 in cell C2. Example #2We want to sum the cells A3, A5, and the number 45 shown in the succeeding image. Apply the formula “=SUM (A3, A5, 45).” It returns 58.8 in cell C2. Example #3We want to sum the cells A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6 shown in the succeeding image. Apply the formula “=SUM (A2:A6).” It returns 135.4 in cell C2. Example #4We want to sum the cells A2, A3, A5, and A6 shown in the succeeding image. Apply the formula “=SUM (A2:A3, A5:A6).” It returns 35.4 in cell C2. Example #5We want to sum the cells A2, A3, A5, A6, and the number 500 shown in the succeeding image. Apply the formula “=SUM (A2:A3, A5:A6, 500).” It returns 535.4 in cell C2. The Usage of the SUM Excel FunctionThe rules governing the usage of the function are listed as follows:
Note: The SUM excel function returns the “#VALUE!” error if the criterion supplied is a text string longer than 255 characters. The Limitations of the SUM Function in ExcelThe drawbacks of the function are listed as follows:
The Nesting of the SUM Excel FunctionThe built-in formulas of Excel can be expanded by nesting one or more functions inside another function. This permits multiple calculations to take place in a single cell of the worksheet. The nested function acts as an argument of the main or the outermost function. Excel calculates the innermost function first and then moves outwards. For example, the following formula shows the SUM function nested within the ROUND functionROUND FunctionThe ROUNDUP excel function calculates the rounded value of the number to the upward side or the higher side. In other words, it rounds the number away from zero. Being an inbuilt function of Excel, it accepts two arguments–the “number” and the “num_of _digits.” For example, “=ROUNDUP(0.40,1)” returns 0.4. read more: For the given formula, the output is calculated as follows:
With Microsoft Excel 2007, nested functions up to 64 levels are permitted. Prior to this version, one could nest functions only till 7 levels. Frequently Asked Questions1. Define the SUM function of Excel. The SUM function helps add the numerical values. These values can be supplied to the function as numbers, cell references, or ranges. The SUM function is used when there is a need to find the total of specified cells. 2. How to sum the values of filtered data in Excel? To add the values of filtered data, use the SUBTOTAL function. The syntax of the function is stated as follows: 3. State the benefits of using the SUM function in Excel. The benefits of using the SUM function are listed as follows: SUM Function in Excel Video
Recommended ArticlesThis has been a guide to the SUM function in Excel. Here we discuss how to use Sum Formula along with step by step examples and FAQs. You can download the Excel template from the website. Take a look at these useful functions of Excel–
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