Math
Adding up a block of cells
Definition
Summing a range means giving SUM a block of cells, such as B2:B5, so it adds every number inside the block in one step.
Syntax
=SUM(B2:B5)
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
B2 |
The first cell of the range. |
: |
The colon joins two corners into one rectangular block. |
B5 |
The last cell of the range. |
Worked example
A cafe records daily cups sold from Monday to Thursday in B2:B5.
| A: Day | B: Cups sold |
|---|---|
| Mon | 118 |
| Tue | 96 |
| Wed | 143 |
| Thu | 87 |
Formula: =SUM(B2:B5)
Result: 444. 118 + 96 + 143 + 87 equals 444.
Practice
Cells C2:C5 hold 205, 340, 115, and 60. In C6, write a formula that totals the range.
- In C6, write a SUM formula for C2:C5.
- C6 should show the total of C2:C5.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =SUM(C2:C5) in C6.
205 + 340 + 115 + 60 is 720.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
C6 uses SUM.
C6 now shows 720.
The next lesson is Making a cell decide.
Related functions
Once you have a total from SUM, dividing it by the number of entries gives the same figure as AVERAGE on that range.
Common mistake
Adding a new row just below the range, such as row 6 after SUM(B2:B5), and expecting it to be counted; the formula still ends at B5 until you extend it.