Excel SUM Formula: every way to add numbers

SUM adds numbers. It is the first formula everyone learns and the one you will use most.

Add a range

=SUM(A1:A3)

Adds every number from A1 to A3. Blank cells and text are ignored.

Add separate cells

=SUM(A1, A5, A9)

Commas separate the pieces. You can mix ranges and cells: =SUM(A1:A3, B7).

Add a whole column

=SUM(A:A)

Adds everything in column A, however long it gets. Put this formula in a different column or it will try to add itself.

Add across sheets

=SUM(Jan!B2, Feb!B2, Mar!B2)

Or for every sheet from Jan to Mar: =SUM(Jan:Mar!B2).

AutoSum shortcut

Click the empty cell under a column of numbers and press Alt + =. Excel writes the SUM for you. Press Enter.

Add only some numbers

Need to add only the rows that match a condition — sales for one person, say? That is SUMIF.

If the answer is 0 or wrong

Your numbers are probably text. Select them, click the small warning icon › Convert to Number. See formula not calculating for the other causes.