Microsoft Excel | the SUM function

The syntax for the SUM function is as follows:

=SUM(cell_ref_1,cell_ref_2)

With this being an example of an actual SUM formula:

=SUM(A1,A10)

Note: By using a comma between our two cell references. We are instructing Excel to add what’s in cell A1 to what’s in cell A10.

The syntax for the SUM function to add together a RANGE of cells is as follows:

=SUM(cell_ref_1:cell_ref_2)

Note: The SUM function is most commonly used in relation to a Range of cells. With a Range being the selection of two or more cells that are in sequence. However, in order to tell Excel you want to use a range, you need to replaced the comma with a colon.

This is an example of a range being used in a SUM formula:

=SUM(A1:A10)

Note: A range can either be Contiguous (together) or non-adjacent (selected individually). For example you might want to add two columns of numbers together. So that would be a non-adjacent Range. Something that you can do by highlighting cells in one column. Then holding down Ctrl, and selecting the range for a second column of cells.

The formula would look something like this:

=SUM(A1:A10,B1:B10)

• mydoodads article – MS Excel | Customise your instance of Excel.
• mydoodads article –MS Excel | the CONCAT function.
• mydoodads article – MS Excel | the TEXTJOIN function.

• Microsoft article – SUM function.
• Microsoft article – TEXTJOIN Function.
• Microsoft article – CONCAT Function.