BeginnerTotals and maths
Syntax
=SUM(number1, [number2], ...)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
number1 | The first number, cell or range to add up, for example B2:B9. |
number2, ... | Optional. More numbers or ranges. |
Examples with results
Every result below is calculated by the practice engine on the sample data shown, not typed in by hand.
Office supplies sales (fictional)
| Row | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Qty | Unit price | Region | Date |
| 2 | Pen | 10 | 1.5 | North | 2025-01-15 |
| 3 | Notebook | 5 | 12 | South | 2025-02-03 |
| 4 | Pen | 20 | 1.5 | South | 2025-02-28 |
| 5 | Stapler | 2 | 40 | North | 2025-03-10 |
| 6 | Folder | 15 | 3.25 | East | 2025-03-22 |
| 7 | Notebook | 8 | 12 | East | 2025-04-05 |
| 8 | Pen | 12 | 1.5 | North | 2025-04-18 |
| 9 | Marker | 30 | 2 | South | 2025-05-02 |
=SUM(B2:B9)Total quantity sold
=SUM(B2:B4,B8)Add two separate groups of cells
Try it yourself
Change the formula or switch to other sample data.
Press Calculate to see the result.
The practice box runs in your browser with BDK’s own calculator, which covers about 60 common functions. Cell references work as in Excel (B2, B2:B9). Your formulas are not saved or sent anywhere. For anything unusual, check the result in Excel itself.
How people use SUM at work
- Personal budgeting
Add up everything you actually spent this month.
Data: Monthly budget (fictional)=SUM(C2:C7) - Operations
Count the units on hand across several products.
Data: Stock levels (fictional)=SUM(C2:C6)
Common mistakes and tips
- Numbers stored as text are ignored. If a total looks too small, check that the cells are real numbers, not text with an apostrophe or spaces.
- A range that includes the total cell itself creates a circular reference.
Works in
All versions of Excel, and Google Sheets.
Related formulas
Lessons that use it
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