How to use the SUM function in Excel

The SUM function adds or totals the values of selected cells, rows, or columns.

Syntax

=SUM(number1, [number2], …) 

How to Insert the SUM Function

1. Select a cell and type =SUM(.
2. In the function arguments, select the desired cells or range.
3. Press Enter to display the result.

Arguments

• number1 (Required): The first value or range to sum.
• [number2], [number3], … (Optional): Additional values or ranges to include in the sum.

USING THE SUM FUNCTION

Example: Calculate the total sales from Monday to Friday.

To calculate the sales from Monday to Friday using SUM, follow the steps below

Steps:

1. Select an empty cell.
2. Enter the function with the cell range:

=SUM(A2:B6)

1. Press Enter—the result (e.g., 113,327) will appear.

NOTES WHEN USING THE SUM FUNCTION

• #VALUE! Error: Occurs if the criteria exceed 255 characters.
• Ignored Cells: The SUM function automatically skips empty cells and text values.
• Valid Arguments: Can include constants, ranges, named ranges, or cell references.
• Error Handling: If any argument contains an error, the SUM function returns an error.