SUM

Adding up rows or columns of numbers is a common operation carried out in all spreadsheet programs. Google Sheets includes a built-in function called SUM for this purpose. With a function in place, the spreadsheet automatically updates when you make changes in the range of cells in the formula. If you change entries or add text to blank cells, the total updates to include the new data.

Using the SUM function you can add:

The sum function allows you to add values in individual cells.

SUM individual cells:

1. Click the cell where you want to place the formula

2. Type =SUM( to start the formula

3. Click the cells that you want to add together. Separate the different cells using a comma (PRO TIP: If you hold down the Command key and click the cells that you want to SUM, the commas will be entered automatically for you)

Watch the video to see how to SUM a list of individual cells.

The sum function allows you to add values in many cells in a single row, column, array, entire row, or column.

SUM large data sets

1. Click the cell where you want to place the formula

2. Type =SUM( to start the formula

3. Click or type the name the first cell in the set, row, or column that you want to add

4. Type a colon

5. Click or type name of the final cell in the set of data that you want to add. You can also type the column name (for example, A) and everything in the entire column will be added.

Watch the video to see how to SUM large data sets.