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Math function

Excel SUM function

SUM adds numbers together. Give it single cells, whole ranges, or a mix of both, and it returns the total. It is the formula you reach for first on any budget, sales sheet or invoice.

=SUM(number1, [number2], ...)

Arguments

number1
The first number, cell or range to add, like B2:B6.
number2
Optional. More numbers, cells or ranges to add. You can list up to 255.

SUM examples

Every result below was calculated from this sample sheet by the same spreadsheet engine the Cellwise app uses.

ABC
1MonthRentUtilities
2Jan1200145
3Feb1200162
4Mar1250128
5Apr1250n/a
  1. =SUM(B2:B5)

    Result: 4900

    Adds the four rent payments.

  2. =SUM(B2:C3)

    Result: 2707

    A block of cells works too. This totals rent and utilities for January and February.

  3. =SUM(C2:C5)

    Result: 435

    The text "n/a" in C5 is skipped, so only the three numbers are added.

  4. =SUM(B2:B5,C2:C4,50)

    Result: 5385

    Mix ranges and plain numbers. Here a $50 fee is added on top.

How to use SUM

  1. Click the cell under or beside your numbers.
  2. Type =SUM(
  3. Drag across the cells to add, or type the range like B2:B5.
  4. Close the bracket and press Enter.

Common SUM mistakes

Numbers stored as text

Numbers typed with an apostrophe or imported from another system can be text, and SUM skips them. Convert them with VALUE or Data > Text to Columns.

Range misses new rows

If you add a row below B5, SUM(B2:B5) will not include it. Insert rows inside the range, or turn the data into a table.

Using + for long lists

=B2+B3+B4 returns #VALUE! if any cell holds text. SUM(B2:B4) just skips the text.

SUM FAQ

Why is my SUM formula returning 0?

Your numbers are most likely stored as text. Look for left-aligned values or a green triangle in the corner, then convert them to real numbers.

How do I sum a whole column in Excel?

Use a full-column reference like =SUM(B:B). Put the formula in a different column so it does not include itself.

What is the shortcut for SUM in Excel?

Select the cell below your numbers and press Alt+= on Windows (Cmd+Shift+T on Mac). Excel writes the SUM formula for you.

How do I sum only cells that meet a condition?

Use SUMIF for one condition or SUMIFS for several, for example =SUMIF(A2:A10,"East",B2:B10).

Practice SUM in these lessons

Guides that use SUM

Related functions

Updated