Better Sheets

Academy ↓

Free ↓

Login
Get Instant Access
Scott Hawkyard
David Chung
+ 53

Formulas > =SUM()

How To Use SUM() Function in Google Sheets

Description

Returns the sum of a series of numbers and/or cells.

Common questions about the SUM formula include:
  • How can I use the SUM formula? Carefully
  • What is the syntax of the SUM formula? SUM(value1, [value2, ...])
  • What are the parameters of the SUM formula? Any numerical values.

How can the SUM formula be used appropriately?
The SUM formula can be used appropriately by including specific references to cells or cell ranges, referring to the values that the formula should add together.

How can the SUM formula be commonly mistyped?
The SUM formula can be commonly mistyped by putting in incorrect cell references or referencing the wrong range of values.
The SUM formula can be misspelled as SUMM, or USM, or ADDITUP, or ADDITION, or SUMATION, or SUMMARY

What are common ways the SUM formula can be used inappropriately?
Common ways the SUM formula is used inappropriately include adding strings of text, applying other mathematical operators to the SUM formula's parameters, and referring to a range greater than what is necessary.

What are some common pitfalls when using the SUM formula?
Common pitfalls when using the SUM formula include numerical errors due to mistyped parameters, incorrect calculation due to using text values instead of numeric values, and incorrect cell references resulting in incorrect summation.

What are some common mistakes when using the SUM formula?
Common mistakes when using the SUM Formula include entering cell references instead of values, using incorrect ranges or parameters, and using complex formulas when simply using SUM is sufficient.

What are some common misconceptions people have with the SUM formula?
Common misconceptions people might have with the SUM Formula include thinking that it depends on a particular order of entries or that it can include non-numerical values which then are concatenated to the result. It cannot do that.

Google Sheet Formula Frustrations Solved
Find every formula you'll ever need in Google Sheets here at Better Sheets. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide of 504 formulas.

Are you struggling to find a specific value in a column of data? Look no further than the powerful VLOOKUP formula. Or maybe you need to calculate the sum of values that meet specific criteria - try out SUMIF. And when it comes to frequency of values, COUNTIF has you covered.

Have you heard of the mysterious and powerful IF formula? It can turn your spreadsheets into gateways of productivity. And don't forget about the oft-partner ISBLANK(). 

Find step-by-step tutorials for any formula here on Better Sheets. Every formula page comes with links to written blog posts and Better Sheets tutorials featuring the exact formula.

There are no shortcuts to becoming a Google Sheets pro! Learn more here at Better Sheets

Watch the magic for yourself. Video tutorials at every turn here at Better Sheets.

Your spreadsheets will never be the same again.

How To Actually Use SUM() in Sheets

SUM(value1, [value2, ...])
Google Docs Help

14Better Sheets Tutorials

Create an Auto-Update Sales Chart: Trailing 12 Months
how to create an auto-updating sales chart that displays the trailing 12 months of data in Google Sheets. The tutorial uses a sample dataset to demonstrate how to build a dynamic chart that updates automatically as new data is added.
Intermediate
Alejandro Asks: How do I Sum up Study hours from a Calendar Format?
A member, Alejandro, asks about taking their custom calendar inputs and figuring out study totals for a week. They created a beautiful input and just need to the calculations. I show how to use the data to do the calculations. If you've never used the FLATTEN() formula, this is a good example! And we use double UNIQUE().
Expense Tracker Template with Data Entry Form Inside Sheets
Create a data entry form for an expense tracker. Simple dashboard too with sum and sum between two dates.
Intermediate
Figuring out the 80/20 Rule with a Running Sum Total
I figured out that 20% of my videos are getting 80% of the watch time on my YouTube channel, and I actually used a Google sheet to figure this out.
Beginner
Build The Dashboard - Design a Better Dashboard Part 3
We're actually gonna go build the dashboard today.
Bjarne Asks: Can I show the total number of rows minus the header row?
find out how to show the total number of data rows available in a sheet.
Beginner
Better Domain Portfolio Template
Create a better list of domains.
Intermediate
Visicalc 2023 Quick Walkthrough
This is a fun template I created for April 1st. Take a quick walk through the features here. And get yourself a copy of the sheet below.
Beginner
How to Count Numbers in a Row
Got this question in the Facebook Group: How to count the number of numbers in a row. I saw two possible solutions mentioned in the comments and wanted to go through why those are okay but there is a much more flexible and better solution.
Beginner
Invoicing in Google Sheets for Freelancers
Introduction to creating a filter so that you can bill for a certain time period of hours. Great sheet for Freelancers or Gig Workers.
Beginner
Count Unique Attendees For Each Event
Find out how many people attended each event even if they are double counted in attendee lists.
Beginner
Americano Tournament Template With Four Automations
Created a tournament template with 4 automations. So tabs can be copied by a laptop, ipad, or mobile.
Intermediate
Daily Writer's Word Count Tracker
Walk through creating an awesome automatic word count tracker that's easy to use and motivates the writer to keep going. With AI generated quotes from famous writers, along with simple formulas to generate states along the way.
Intermediate
How to Filter Multi-Select Dropdown Feature
Learn how to harness Google Sheets' new multi-select dropdown feature in this tutorial. We'll guide you through setting up dropdowns that allow multiple selections, using search and filter formulas to analyze and display data efficiently. By the end, you'll be able to create dynamic reports and dashboards, streamlining your workflow and enhancing data management. Perfect for those looking to get the most out of Google Sheets' latest functionality!
Intermediate

Learn more about the SUM() formula:

How to Total Columns in Google Sheets

Learn the different ways to total columns of numbers in your spreadsheet. We will discuss using the + sign and also using the SUM function. Both work, but they work in different ways.

Generate a SUM() formula for your needs with AI

Google Sheets Formula Generator

Whatever you need to do in sheets, you can generate a formula. Use the Better Sheets Formula generator to create a formula for any need. Completely free for members.

Asa

Looking for more help inside sheets get the free Add-on: Asa. Ask Sheets Anything. Go ahead, ask it any problem you migth have. Bring your own APIKEY and generate formulas inside of Google Sheets.

Better Sheets

Something for everyone to Learn Google Sheets. Includes Google Sheets for Beginners and Advanced Google Sheets Tutorials alike.

Get Started Now

Google Sheets Help

Google Sheets Courses

Google Sheet Templates and Tools

Google Sheet Add Ons