The sum function in Excel is helpful to solve multiple matches and trigonometry problems. You can use this function to sum cells containing multiple arguments. In Excel, Sum is known as the most used function because it uses almost in every project.
You can sum up any cells using this function, for instance, you have a dataset of 100 products. The SUM function gives you the total cost of the event.
Formula
=SUM(number1, [number2], [number3]….)
This formula has the following arguments:
Number 1 required argument: the very first product you want to sum will be added here.
Number 2 required argument: the second product you want to sum will be added here.
Number 3 required argument: the third product you want to sum will be added here.
About 255 arguments can be added at one time to sum those values. You can use arguments such as numbers, cell references, constants, arrays, ranges, and the results of other formulas.
How to Use Excel Sum Function – Excel Sum Formula Examples?
Let’s understand this function by using some examples. Excel sum formula examples are given here to give a clear understanding.
Example 1
Suppose you are having the dataset given below:
You need to compute the total sales for the first six months and the formula you can use is:
You will get the following results:
That’s it!
Example 2
Usually, you might have noticed that the SUM function is a part of important formulas that help in solving advanced problems. Suppose we have the following dataset:
As you can see, the above-given data does not contain the whole information. In that case, you need to use another function along with the SUM function and that is the IF function. Combo of both functions will show an alerting message and the formula you will use here is:
Below are the required results:
Example 3
Suppose you need to sum the cells A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6 for some reason.
Use this formula “=SUM (A2:A6),”
In cell C2, you will see 135.4 returns.
Things to Consider when using the SUM Function
- You can see the #VALUE! Error if the criteria you are working on is a text string of more than 255 characters.
- You can simply calculate this function by selecting a cell given next to the numbers that needed to be added. Click on the AutoSum option given on the Home tab and then press ENTER key. It will add the SUM formula by default.
- Note that you can even find AutoSum in the Formula tabs as well:
- The AutoSum formula uses the SUM formula as well as it helps in choosing the range of cells that needed to be added.
The Usage of the SUM Excel Function
Here you will find some of the SUM rules that determine the usage of this formula:
- Keep in mind that the argument you can use could be numbers, constants, cell references, ranges, arrays, and the outcome of formulas.
- You will be needing the first range only i.e. cell1:cell2 when you add a range of cells.
- The result will be numeric that show the sum of given values.
Limitations of the SUM Function Excel
Just like other features, the SUM formula also contains some side effects:
- The cell range and the dimension of the source, both values must be matched.
- The cell having the result should be formatted as a number.
