SUM function in Excel - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This data shows two columns of numbers. Column A has 10, 20, 30 and Column B has 5, 15, 25.

Cell	Value
A1	10
A2	20
A3	30
B1	5
B2	15
B3	25

Formula Trace

=SUM(A1:A3)

Step 1: A1:A3

Step 2: SUM(10, 20, 30)

Cell Reference Map

10

↓

20

↓

30

The formula references cells A1, A2, and A3 which contain 10, 20, and 30.

Result

    A    B
1  10    5
2  20    15
3  30    25
4  60    

Cell A4 shows the result of =SUM(A1:A3) which is 60.

The sum of values in A1 to A3 is 60, shown in cell A4.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What values does the formula =SUM(A1:A3) add together?

A 10, 5, 15

B 5, 15, 25

C 10, 20, 30

D 20, 30, 25

Key Result

SUM(range) adds all numbers in the specified range of cells.