Use SUM and AUTOSUM Functions

Add numbers with SUM function

The SUM function adds all the numbers specified as arguments. Each argument can be a range, a cell reference, an array, a constant, a formula, or the result form another function

  • General syntax: =SUM(number_1, [number_2], ……)

    • number_1 (Required) – the first number argument to add

    • number_2 (Optional) – number argument 2 to 255 to add

  • Ex:  =SUM(B5:B12), =SUM(A1,A2,A3)

    • If an argument is an array or reference, only numbers in that array or reference are counted. Empty cells, logical values, or text in the array or reference are ignored.

    • If any arguments are error values, or if any arguments are text that cannot be translated into numbers, Excel displays an error

 

Add numbers with AUTOSUM function

The AutoSum is a predefined formula of the SUM function and used to calculate the total of a series of numeric values in a row or column 

  • On a worksheet, click a cell below or to the right of the numeric values to calculate the total.

  • Do one of the following:

    • Go to Home tab > Editing group > click AutoSum 

    • Press  ALT + “=” (equal sign) key