Math and statistics
SUM function playground
Adds up numbers, cell references and ranges.
The playground runs in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.
How SUM works
SUM goes through every argument you give it and adds up the numbers it finds. A range like F2:F11 counts as every cell in that block.
Inside a range, SUM skips blank cells and cells that contain text, so a stray word won't break the total. If any cell holds an error such as #N/A, SUM returns that error.
Numbers you type straight into the formula, like =SUM(F2:F11, 500), are added too.
Syntax
=SUM(number1, [number2], ...)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
number1required | The first number, cell or range to add, such as F2:F11. |
number2, ...optional | More numbers, cells or ranges to add. You can list up to 255. |
Examples
| Formula | What it does | Result |
|---|---|---|
=SUM(F2:F11) | Total revenue for every sale. | $18,850.00 |
=SUM(E2:E11) | Total units sold. | 32 |
=SUM(F2,F5,F9) | Add three separate cells. | $10,000.00 |
=SUM(F2:F11)/SUM(E2:E11) | Average revenue per unit: total revenue divided by total units. | 589.0625 |
Common mistakes
Numbers stored as textA number with a green triangle in the corner is stored as text, and SUM skips it. Convert it to a real number first.
Total sits inside its own rangeIf the SUM cell is inside the range it adds up, Excel reports a circular reference. Keep the total outside the range.
Related functions
Learn more
Download the example workbook (.xlsx)
The workbook has the same sample data and formulas, plus a practice sheet.