The SUM function in Excel is a powerful tool that allows users to quickly and easily add numbers together. This function can be used with actual numbers, cell references, or entire ranges to streamline calculations.
Understanding the SUM Function
The SUM function is incredibly versatile. You can input specific numbers directly into the function, reference individual cells, or sum entire ranges. This flexibility makes it a crucial formula for anyone working with data in Excel.
Example
Below is a demonstration of how the SUM function works:
SUM Function Syntax
Using the SUM function is simple. Here’s the basic syntax:
=SUM(value1, value2, value3…)- value1 – This can be a specific number, a cell reference, or a range of cells.
- When summing a range, use the colon (:) operator to define the range, e.g.,
=SUM(B2:B6).
Example 1 – Practice the SUM Function Online
To get hands-on experience, try this interactive example:
Example 2 – Practice SUM Function Horizontally
For another exercise, let’s sum values across a row: