How to use basic SUM function in EXCEL

SUM function is a very basic function of Excel. With the help of SUM function anyone can calculate sum of a large data values. SUM function can calculates,

1. Only numeric values passed by the user as arguments of the function
2. Can calculate entire cell which contains numeric values by referencing the entire cell or the select range of array of values

General Syntax

=SUM (number1, [number2], …)

Where, number1 and number2 (optional) are the arguments passed by the user to get the sum of numbers or cell reference which refers to numeric values.

Now, let’s talk about the procedure, how you can work with SUM function in Excel and for that, please look at the below images and try to work along with instructions carefully.

Let’s consider, we have some sample data like in the below image and we want to calculate the total units sold over the period.

So, we can simply use SUM function in Excel to calculate the total values of our sold units over the period.

We can simply label a cell as SUM Calculation and choose the below cell of the label to show the final result which is the total of units sold.

In this phase, we can write “=SUM” or we can go to the insert function (_fx) option

Then from the new pop up box appear here 

select the category Math & Trig,

from there find the SUM function from the list of that category, shown in the below image. 

Then a new window will appear like this,

and then select the cell range from where you need to find the sum of values or either you can manually enter your values by typing the value (it’s entirely up to you). 

And, that’s set, click OK and you will get your result. 

This tutorial is written for beginner level audiences so we choose to write this tutorial in a very simple way with simple words. If you think you are an Excel expert then please skip this tutorial and if you want to learn any Excel topic easily let us know about your requirements and interested Excel topic through our contact page or just by your comments. 

Stay with tutorialabc.com for more easy and useful excel tips and tricks. 

Finally, we add a GIF file of the whole process here, in case you missed any part of it. So, please carefully look at the GIF for a better understanding.