How to Use SUMIF in Excel: Simple Guide with Examples

Use the SUMIF function in Excel to add values that meet a specific condition. The formula looks like =SUMIF(range, criteria, [sum_range]), where range is checked against the criteria, and matching values in sum_range are added.

Syntax

The SUMIF function has three parts:

• range: The cells you want to check for the condition.
• criteria: The condition that decides which cells to add.
• sum_range (optional): The cells to add if the condition is true. If omitted, Excel adds the cells in range.

excel

=SUMIF(range, criteria, [sum_range])

Example

This example adds sales amounts only for the product "Apple".

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A1:A5 (Products): Apple, Banana, Apple, Orange, Apple
B1:B5 (Sales): 10, 20, 15, 5, 25

Formula in C1:
=SUMIF(A1:A5, "Apple", B1:B5)

Output

50

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes include:

• Forgetting quotes around text criteria, e.g., use "Apple" not Apple.
• Not matching the size of sum_range to range.
• Using wrong operators without quotes, e.g., use ">10" not >10.

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Wrong: =SUMIF(A1:A5, Apple, B1:B5)  (missing quotes around Apple)
Right: =SUMIF(A1:A5, "Apple", B1:B5)

Quick Reference

Part	Description	Example
range	Cells to check condition	A1:A5
criteria	Condition to match	"Apple" or ">10"
sum_range	Cells to add if condition true	B1:B5 (optional)

Key Takeaways

Use SUMIF to add numbers based on a condition in another range.

Always put text criteria inside quotes, like "Apple".

Make sure sum_range matches the size of range if used.

Use quotes around operators in criteria, e.g., ">10".

If sum_range is omitted, SUMIF adds cells from range itself.