SUM function in Google Sheets - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the SUM function do in Google Sheets?

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

beginner

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

You write =SUM(A1:A5). This adds all numbers from cell A1 through A5.

intermediate

Can SUM add numbers from non-adjacent cells? How?

Yes! You can list cells or ranges separated by commas, like =SUM(A1, C1, E1).

beginner

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

Empty cells or text are ignored. Only numbers are added.

beginner

Why use SUM instead of adding numbers with + signs?

SUM is faster and cleaner, especially for many cells. It also updates automatically if you add more numbers in the range.

What formula adds numbers in cells B2 to B6?

A =SUM(B2;B6)

B =SUM(B2:B6)

C =SUM(B2+B6)

D =SUM(B2-B6)

Use a colon ':' to specify a range in SUM, so =SUM(B2:B6) adds all cells from B2 to B6.

Which of these will correctly add cells A1, C1, and E1?

A =SUM(A1, C1, E1)

B =SUM(A1-C1-E1)

C =SUM(A1:C1:E1)

D =SUM(A1 C1 E1)

Separate cells with commas inside SUM to add non-adjacent cells: =SUM(A1, C1, E1).

If cell A3 is empty, what does =SUM(A1:A5) do?

A Returns an error

B Stops calculation at A3

C Counts A3 as zero and adds others

D Ignores A3 and adds the rest

Empty cells are ignored by SUM, so it adds only the cells with numbers.

Which is the best reason to use SUM instead of adding with plus signs?

A SUM is easier for many cells and updates automatically

B SUM works only with two cells

C SUM can add text

D SUM changes numbers automatically

SUM is cleaner and updates automatically when you add numbers in the range.

What will =SUM(10, 20, 30) return?

A Error

B 10, 20, 30

C 60

D 100

SUM adds all numbers given as arguments, so 10 + 20 + 30 = 60.

Explain how to use the SUM function to add numbers in a column from A1 to A10.

Think about how to tell Sheets to add a group of cells.

Describe what happens if some cells in the SUM range contain text or are empty.

Consider what SUM does with non-number cells.