SUM Function – Google Sheets

SUM Function Summary

Function Type: Math

Google Sheets SUM function returns the sum of the provided values. The sum function accepts number values, cell references, arrays, and constants, in any combination.

SUM Function Google Sheets Animation

SUM Purpose

Total or sum the values of the specified cells, numbers, ranges, or any combination.

SUM Syntax

Elements of the function

=SUM(value1,[value2,...])
  • Function Name
  • value1 – [Required] The first number, range, or cell to be summed.
  • value2,… – [Optional] Additional numbers, ranges, or cells to be summed.

Arguments of the Function

The SUM function will total all numerical values specified. 

Samples of the SUM function

  • =SUM(1,2,3,4)
  • =SUM(A1:B100)
  • =SUM(1,2,A1:A3)

SUM Notes

  • SUM will ignore cells containing text.
  • Google Sheets SUM function is specified as taking a maximum of 30 arguments, Google Sheets supports an arbitrary amount. Performance becomes an issue, but we have put this limit to the test and have exceeded 10,000 arguments before. However, a more common limiting factor is “Your input contains more than the maximum of 50,000 characters in a single cell.” 
  • If only value 1 is specified in the function, SUM will return value 1.
  • When cells are highlighted an automated Sum can be seen in the lower right corner of your browser’s window. This area can be changed to display other common functions (Sum, Avg, Min, Max, Count, Count Numbers).

SUM Example Spreadsheet

Copy Practice Sheet

Keyboard Shortcuts

WindowsMac
Control (Ctrl) + Shift (⇧) + ArrowCommand (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + Arrow
Purpose: Highlight all cells in a columnPurpose: Highlight all cells in a column or row

Related Functions

  • SUMSQ: Returns the sum of the squares of a series of numbers and/or cells.
  • SUMIF: Returns a conditional sum across a range.
  • SERIESSUM: Given parameters x, n, m, and a, returns the power series sum a1xn + a2x(n+m) + … + aix(n+(i-1)m), where i is the number of entries in range `a`.
  • QUOTIENT: Returns one number divided by another, without the remainder.
  • PRODUCT: Returns the result of multiplying a series of numbers together.
  • MULTIPLY: Returns the product of two numbers. Equivalent to the `*` operator.
  • MINUS: Returns the difference of two numbers. Equivalent to the `-` operator.
  • DIVIDE: Returns one number divided by another. Equivalent to the `/` operator.
  • ADD: Returns the sum of two numbers. Equivalent to the `+` operator.
Google’s Official SUM Documentation