Add a column
| A | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Value |
| 2 | 2 |
| 3 | 4 |
| 4 | 6 |
| 5 | 8 |
Formula: C2: =SUM(A2:A5)
Result: 20
The four numeric cells contribute 2 + 4 + 6 + 8.
Google Sheets function
SUM in Google Sheets
Select a block of numbers in Google Sheets and the status area at the bottom right shows their sum without any formula.
Syntax (same in Google Sheets)
SUM(number1, [number2], …)A SUM formula is still the right choice when the total must stay in the sheet and update with the data.
For a fuller explanation of the arguments and common errors, see the SUM Excel guide.
Worked examples in Google Sheets
Add separate cells and a constant
| A | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Value |
| 2 | 2 |
| 3 | 4 |
| 4 | 6 |
| 5 | 8 |
Formula: C2: =SUM(A2,A4,10)
Result: 18
SUM accepts a mix of references and literal numbers: 2 + 6 + 10.
Add two ranges
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | B |
| 2 | 1 | 10 |
| 3 | 2 | 20 |
Formula: D2: =SUM(A2:A3,B2:B3)
Result: 33
Every numeric cell in both ranges is included.
Try it
A tiny spreadsheet with example data. Edit the formula or any number and see the result.
Formula in F2: =SUM(C2:C7)
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Region | Product | Units | Price | Result | |
| 2 | East | Pen | 120 | 2.5 | 350 | |
| 3 | West | Pen | 80 | 2.5 | ||
| 4 | East | Book | 45 | 12 | ||
| 5 | North | Book | 60 | 12 | ||
| 6 | West | Lamp | 30 | 25 | ||
| 7 | East | Lamp | 15 | 25 |
Result in F2: 350
Frequently asked questions
- Can I see a total in Google Sheets without writing SUM?
- Yes. Select the cells and look at the summary at the bottom right of the window; click it to switch between Sum, Average, Count and other measures. Nothing is written to the sheet.
Google Sheets is used here only as a descriptive product name. FormulaCamp is not affiliated with Google.