How to Use SUM in Google Sheets: Simple Guide
Use the
SUM function in Google Sheets to add numbers or ranges of cells. For example, =SUM(A1:A5) adds all numbers from cells A1 to A5. This function helps you quickly total values without manual addition.Syntax
The SUM function adds numbers or ranges of cells together.
SUM(value1, [value2, ...])value1, value2, ...can be numbers, cell references, or ranges.
It returns the total sum of all the values provided.
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=SUM(number1, [number2, ...])
Example
This example adds the numbers in cells A1 through A5.
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=SUM(A1:A5)
Output
If A1=2, A2=4, A3=6, A4=8, A5=10, the result is 30
Common Pitfalls
Common mistakes include:
- Using commas instead of colons for ranges (wrong:
=SUM(A1,A5)adds only A1 and A5, not the range) - Including text values inside the range (text is ignored, but can cause confusion)
- Forgetting the equal sign
=before the formula
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=SUM(A1,A5) <em>(adds only A1 and A5, not the whole range)</em> =SUM(A1:A5) <em>(correct: adds all cells from A1 to A5)</em>
Quick Reference
| Usage | Description |
|---|---|
| =SUM(A1:A10) | Adds all numbers from A1 to A10 |
| =SUM(5, 10, 15) | Adds the numbers 5, 10, and 15 directly |
| =SUM(A1, B1, C1) | Adds values from cells A1, B1, and C1 |
| =SUM(A1:A5, C1:C5) | Adds two ranges together |
Key Takeaways
Always start your formula with an equal sign
= to use SUM.Use a colon
: to specify a range of cells, like A1:A5.SUM ignores text values but adds all numbers in the specified cells.
You can add multiple ranges or individual numbers in one SUM formula.
Check your ranges carefully to avoid adding only single cells by mistake.