SUM function in Excel - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the SUM function do in Excel?

The SUM function adds together all the numbers in a range of cells and gives you the total.

beginner

How do you write a SUM formula to add cells A1 to A5?

You write =SUM(A1:A5) to add all numbers from cell A1 through A5.

beginner

Can the SUM function add numbers that are not next to each other? How?

Yes, you can add numbers from different cells by listing them separated by commas, like =SUM(A1, C1, E1).

beginner

What happens if some cells in the SUM range are empty or contain text?

Empty cells or cells with text are ignored by SUM. Only numbers are added.

beginner

Why is using the SUM function better than typing numbers and adding with +?

SUM is faster, less error-prone, and updates automatically if you change any number in the range.

What formula adds all numbers from B2 to B10?

A =SUM(B2+B10)

B =ADD(B2:B10)

C =TOTAL(B2:B10)

D =SUM(B2:B10)

The correct syntax to add a range is =SUM(B2:B10).

Which cells will =SUM(A1, A3, A5) add?

A Cells A1, A2, A3, A4, A5

B Cells A1 to A5 except A3

C Cells A1, A3, and A5 only

D Only cell A1

Listing cells separated by commas adds only those specific cells.

If cell A2 is empty, what does =SUM(A1:A3) do?

A Ignores A2 and adds A1 and A3

B Counts A2 as zero and adds all three

C Returns an error

D Adds only A2

Empty cells count as zero, so SUM adds the other numbers plus zero.

Which is a correct way to add numbers in cells A1, B1, and C1?

A =SUM(A1, B1, C1)

B =SUM(A1:B1:C1)

C =SUM(A1-B1-C1)

D =SUM(A1 B1 C1)

Use commas to separate individual cells in SUM.

Why use SUM instead of typing =A1+A2+A3?

A SUM updates automatically if you add more cells

B SUM is slower

C Typing + is more accurate

D SUM cannot add ranges

SUM can easily include ranges and updates if you change numbers.

Explain how to use the SUM function to add numbers in a column.

Think about how to select cells from top to bottom.

Describe what happens when the SUM function encounters empty cells or text in the range.

Consider what SUM counts as numbers.