SUM Function in Excel: Syntax, Examples and Free Practice
SUM is an Excel Math & Trig function. Adds up all the numbers in a range — the most-used formula in Excel.
SUM syntax
=SUM(number1, [number2], ...)
Arguments
number1: A number or range to addnumber2, ...: More numbers or ranges (optional)
When to use SUM
Totaling four quarters of sales into an annual figure.
Practice SUM online, free
Solve graded SUM practice questions in a live Excel-style spreadsheet and check your answer instantly.
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SUM practice questions
- Using SUM, find the total units sold and put it in B6.
- Using SUM, find each student's total marks across the three subjects and put them in E2…
- The cashier skipped Wednesday, so that cell is empty. Using SUM, find the week's total…
- Two stores report weekly sales in separate columns. Using one SUM over both columns,…
- Build a running total of the daily sales in column C. Using SUM with a locked start…
- Using SUM, find what share of total sales Delhi has (as a decimal) and put it in C2.
- The bank statement lists deposits as positive and withdrawals as negative. Using SUM,…
- Using SUM, find net sales (total sales minus total returns) and put it in B7.
- Using SUM, find the final invoice total including 18% GST on the four items and put it…
- Months are listed in rows 2 to 7. Using SUM with INDEX, add the sales from January up to…
- Monthly revenue is in B2:B7. Show the running (cumulative) total in D2:D7, so D4 is Jan…
- Category sales are in B2:B6. Show each category's share of total sales as a decimal,…
More Math & Trig functions
Frequently asked questions
What does the SUM function do in Excel?
Adds up all the numbers in a range — the most-used formula in Excel.
What is the syntax of SUM in Excel?
The syntax is =SUM(number1, [number2], ...). number1: A number or range to add; number2, ...: More numbers or ranges (optional).
Where can I practice SUM online for free?
Open the free live spreadsheet on Cellgrids and try SUM yourself. No Excel install is needed and you can start without signing up.
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