Math
Adding numbers down a column
Definition
Adding numbers down a column means giving SUM that column and placing the total at the foot.
Syntax
=SUM(number1, [number2], ...)
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
number1 |
The column of numbers to add, such as B2:B4. |
number2, ... |
Optional extra values or ranges. This lesson uses one column. |
Worked example
A mill logs bag counts in B2:B4. The total sits in B5.
| A: Shift | B: Bags |
|---|---|
| Early | 8 |
| Mid | 3 |
| Late | 12 |
Formula: =SUM(B2:B4)
Result: 23. 8 + 3 + 12 equals 23.
Practice
Cells D2:D4 hold 10, 20, and 5. In D5, write a formula that totals that column.
- In D5, write a SUM formula for D2:D4.
- D5 should show the total of D2:D4.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =SUM(D2:D4) in D5.
10 + 20 + 5 is 35.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
D5 uses SUM.
D5 now shows 35.
The next lesson is Adding a list of prices.
Related functions
SUM is the function that places that column total at the foot.
Common mistake
Including the total cell, as in =SUM(B2:B5): the formula then sits inside its own range and cannot finish.