Adds all the numbers in a range of cells.
Syntax
SUM(number1,number2,...)
Number1, number2, ... are 1 to 30 arguments for which you want the total value or sum.
Remarks
- Numbers, logical values, and text representations of numbers that you type directly into the list of arguments are counted. See the first and second examples following.
- If an argument is an array or reference, only numbers in that array or reference are counted. Empty cells, logical values, text, or error values in the array or reference are ignored. See the third example following.
- Arguments cause errors if they are error values or text that cannot be translated into numbers.
Example
The example may be easier to understand if you copy it to a blank spreadsheet.
How?- Create a blank spreadsheet.
- Select the example in the Help topic.
Selecting an example from Help
- Press CTRL+C.
- In the spreadsheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V.
- To switch between viewing the formula that returns the result and the result in the cell, select the cell and press F2 and then ENTER, or click Commands and Options on the spreadsheet toolbar, click the Formula tab, and look in the Formula in active cell (active cell) box.
| Data | |
|---|---|
| -5 | |
| 15 | |
| 30 | |
| '5 | |
| TRUE | |
| Formula | Description (Result) |
| =SUM(3, 2) | Adds 3 and 2 (5) |
| =SUM("5", 15, TRUE) | Adds 5, 15 and 1, because the text values are translated into numbers, and the logical value TRUE is translated into the number 1 (21) |
| =SUM(A2:A4) | Adds the first three numbers in the column above (40) |
| =SUM(A2:A4, 15) | Adds the first three numbers in the column above, and 15 (55) |
| =SUM(A5,A6, 2) | Adds the values in the last two rows above, and 2. Because nonnumeric values in references are not translated, the values in the column above are ignored (2) |