SUM
Sums the contents of cells.
Syntax:
SUM(number1, number2, ... number30)
number1 to number30 are up to 30 numbers or ranges/arrays of numbers whose sum is to be calculated.
SUM ignores any text or empty cell within a range or array.
SUM can also be used to sum or count cells where a specified condition is true.
Example:
SUM(2, 3, 4)
returns 9, because 2+3+4 = 9.
SUM(B1:B3)
(where cells B1, B2, B3 contain 1.1, 2.2, 3.3) returns 6.6.
Application:
Calculating Total Sales
Imagine you are a small business owner who sells handmade goods. You want to calculate the total revenue for the week from three different products. You have a spreadsheet where you track the sales for each day.
Table: Weekly Sales Data
Product | Monday ($) | Tuesday ($) | Wednesday ($) | Thursday ($) | Friday ($) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | B | C | D | E | F | ||
1 | Handmade Bracelets | $25.00 | $30.00 | $15.00 | $20.00 | $40.00 | |
2 | Woven Baskets | $50.00 | $60.00 | $45.00 | $55.00 | $70.00 | |
3 | Clay Pots | $15.00 | $20.00 | $10.00 | $15.00 | $25.00 |
To find the total sales for the week, you would use the SUM function.
Real-world application:
- Total Bracelets Sales: SUM(25, 30, 15, 20, 40) which equals 130
- Total Baskets Sales: SUM(50, 60, 45, 55, 70) which equals 280
- Total Pots Sales: SUM(15, 20, 10, 15, 25) which equals 85
- Total Sales for the entire week (all products): SUM(130, 280, 85) which equals 495
This simple example shows how the SUM function is used to quickly and accurately add up a range of numbers, saving you from doing the calculation manually and reducing the chance of error. It is a fundamental function used in everything from personal budgeting to large-scale financial analysis.
Total Bracelets Sales:
Total Baskets Sales:
Total Pots Sales:
Total Sales for the entire week (all products):
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