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Add a Row or Column of Numbers.
You can quickly add worksheet numbers by building a formula that uses Excel's SUM function.
Adding a range of numbers is probably the most common worksheet calculation, so it is
useful to know how to use Excel's SUM function. Although you can use SUM to add individual
cells or a rectangular range of cells, you will most often need to add a row or a column
of data. In this case, when you use the SUM function in a formula, you can specify as
the function's argument a reference to either a row or a column of numbers.
Click in the cell where you want the sum to appear.
Type equal sign and then the word SUM and open a parenthesis sign.
When you begin a function, Excel displays a banner that shows you the function's arguments.
In the function banner, bold arguments are required, and arguments that appear in square
brackets are optional.
Use the mouse to click and drag the row or column of numbers that you want to add.
Excel adds a reference for the range to the formula.
Type the close parenthesis sign.
Press Enter.
Excel enters the formula.
Excel displays the sum in the cell.
Build an AutoSum Formula.
You can reduce the time it takes to build a worksheet as well as reduce the possibility
of errors by using Excel's AutoSum feature. By default, the AutoSum tool adds a SUM function
formula to a cell and automatically adds the function arguments based on the structure
of the worksheet data. However, you can also use AutoSum to quickly create simple formulas
that use common functions, such as AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX, or MIN.
Click in the cell where you want the sum to appear.
For AutoSum to work, the cell you select should be below or to the right of the range you
want to sum.
Click the Sum button.
If you want to use a function other than SUM, click the Sum and then click the operation
you want to use: Average, Count Numbers, Max, or Min.
Excel adds a SUM function formula to the cell.
Excel guesses that the range above (or to the left) of the cell is the one you want
to add. If Excel guessed wrong, select the correct range.
Press enter.
Excel displays the sum.