Excel SUM Function (Add Numbers & Ranges) – Examples & Practice
Practice the Excel SUM function online with an interactive grid, instant feedback, and clear formula help.
Instruction
Calculate total sales in column B from B2 to B6.
Formula Syntax
=SUM(number1, [number2], ...)
- number1: First number, cell, or range to include.
- [number2]: Optional extra numbers or ranges.
- ...: Up to 255 arguments in one formula.
What it does
The SUM function adds numeric values. It is the fastest way to total a column or row of numbers in Excel. Use it whenever you need a simple aggregate without conditions.
Excel SUM Function Examples
Sum a contiguous range
=SUM(B2:B6)
Adds every number in B2 through B6.
Sum multiple areas
=SUM(B2:B4, B6)
Adds one range plus an extra cell.
Sum with a constant
=SUM(B2:B6)+10
Adds the range total plus a fixed adjustment.
weekly-sales.xlsx
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Sales |
| 2 | Mon | 120 |
| 3 | Tue | 180 |
| 4 | Wed | 90 |
| 5 | Thu | 160 |
| 6 | Fri | 150 |
| 7 | Output |
Input Formula
Need Help?
Tips
- Prefer one SUM per total row to keep formulas easy to audit.
- Name important ranges (Formulas > Name Manager) on recurring models.
- Verify numbers are stored as values, not text, before copying formulas down.
SUM Function Use Cases
- Total revenue, costs, or quantities for a period
- Roll up subtotals before tax or discount lines
- Cross-check balances against detail lines
- Feed dashboards and KPI tiles with one range
- Combine with other functions inside larger models
Common mistakes - SUM function not working
- Including the total cell inside the summed range (circular risk)
- Summing text that looks like numbers
- Using SUM when you need COUNT or AVERAGE
- Forgetting to lock ranges before copying across columns
- Mixing rows and columns accidentally in large selections
FAQ
Does SUM ignore blank cells?
Yes. Blank cells are skipped. Text is usually ignored, but keep numeric columns clean to avoid surprises.
Can I SUM non-contiguous ranges?
Yes. Use commas, for example =SUM(A1:A5, C1:C5), to add multiple ranges together.
Why does SUM return 0?
Common causes include numbers stored as text, empty ranges, or referencing the wrong column.
Can SUM include logical values?
SUM ignores TRUE/FALSE. Use SUMPRODUCT or add zero to coerce values if you need a different behavior.
Is SUM the same as adding with +?
For simple ranges SUM is clearer and safer; plus signs work but are easier to mistype on large ranges.
Comparison
| Function | Purpose | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| SUM | Add numbers | Totals and rollups |
| SUBTOTAL | Aggregate with filter context | Visible rows only |
| SUMPRODUCT | Sum products of arrays | Weighted sums, conditional math |
Example
=SUM(B2:B6) totals the column.
=AVERAGE(B2:B6) returns the mean instead of the total.
Advanced examples