Excel - The SUM function Tutorial

In this video, you will learn about the SUM function in Microsoft 365. The video demonstrates how to use the SUM function to add up a range of cells in Excel.
It explains the syntax of the SUM function and shows how to add adjacent cells, non-adjacent cells, and cells from different worksheets.
This knowledge will help you efficiently calculate sums in Excel and improve your data analysis skills.

4:37
4456 views

Available in Microsoft365

Objectifs :

Understand how to use the SUM function in Excel to perform calculations on ranges of cells, including adjacent and non-adjacent cells, and across different worksheets.

Chapitres :

Introduction to the SUM Function
The SUM function in Excel is a powerful tool that allows users to add together a range of numbers quickly. This section introduces the concept of functions as predefined formulas that simplify calculations.
Understanding the SUM Formula
When you click inside a cell with an AutoSum value, you will see a formula that utilizes the SUM function. The basic syntax of the SUM function is as follows: - **SUM( number1, number2, ... )** Here, 'number1' is a required argument, while subsequent numbers are optional and can be enclosed in square brackets. Arguments are separated by commas and can include numbers, cell references, or results from other functions.
Creating a SUM Formula
To create a SUM formula, follow these steps: 1. Type `SUM(`. 2. Select the range of cells you want to add. 3. Close the parenthesis and press Enter. For example, to sum the range from B2 to B5, you would enter `SUM(B2:B5)`, which adds the values in cells B2, B3, B4, and B5.
Using AutoSum
The AutoSum feature automatically selects adjacent cells for summation. However, to sum an entire column or non-adjacent cells, you can manually enter the SUM function. For instance, to add non-adjacent cells, hold down the Ctrl key while selecting the desired ranges.
Summing Across Worksheets
Excel allows you to sum numbers from different worksheets within the same workbook. To do this, start with an equal sign followed by the SUM function. For example: - `=SUM(Sheet2!C8, Sheet3!D5)` This formula begins with an equal sign, includes the SUM function, and references cells from different worksheets using the format: `worksheet_name!cell_reference`.
Conclusion
The SUM function is an essential tool in Excel for performing quick calculations. By understanding its syntax and how to apply it to both adjacent and non-adjacent cells, as well as across different worksheets, users can enhance their data analysis capabilities.

FAQ :

What is the AutoSum feature?

The AutoSum feature in spreadsheet software automatically calculates the sum of a selected range of cells, making it easier to perform quick calculations.

How do I use the SUM function?

To use the SUM function, type =SUM(, select the range of cells you want to add, and then close the parentheses and press Enter. For example, =SUM(B2:B5) adds the values in cells B2 through B5.

Can I sum cells from different worksheets?

Yes, you can sum cells from different worksheets in the same workbook by using the syntax =SUM('SheetName'!CellReference1, 'SheetName'!CellReference2).

What are arguments in a function?

Arguments are the values or cell references that a function uses to perform calculations. In the SUM function, these can be numbers, ranges of cells, or results from other functions.

What is the maximum number of arguments I can use in the SUM function?

You can use up to 255 arguments in the SUM function.

What is the difference between adjacent and non-adjacent cells?

Adjacent cells are next to each other, while non-adjacent cells are separated by other cells. You can select non-adjacent cells by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking on them.

Quelques cas d'usages :

Budget Calculation

In financial planning, you can use the SUM function to calculate total expenses by summing up values from different categories in a budget worksheet. This helps in tracking spending and ensuring you stay within budget.

Sales Data Analysis

Sales teams can use the SUM function to aggregate sales figures from multiple regions or products across different worksheets, allowing for comprehensive performance analysis and reporting.

Project Management

Project managers can utilize the SUM function to calculate total hours worked by team members on various tasks, helping to monitor project progress and resource allocation.

Inventory Management

In inventory management, the SUM function can be used to calculate total stock levels across different product categories, aiding in restocking decisions and inventory control.

Academic Performance Tracking

Educators can apply the SUM function to calculate total scores or grades for students by summing individual assignment scores from different worksheets, facilitating performance tracking and reporting.

Glossaire :

AutoSum

A feature in spreadsheet software that automatically calculates the sum of a range of cells.

Function

A predefined formula in spreadsheet applications that performs calculations using specific values, called arguments.

SUM function

A specific function used to add together a range of numbers or cells in a spreadsheet. The syntax is SUM(number1, number2, ...).

Arguments

Values or cell references that a function uses to perform its calculations. In the SUM function, these are the numbers or ranges you want to add.

Range of cells

A selection of two or more cells in a spreadsheet, typically defined by the starting and ending cell references (e.g., B2:B5).

Adjacent cells

Cells that are next to each other in a row or column.

Non-adjacent cells

Cells that are not next to each other and can be selected by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking on them.

Worksheet

A single page or tab within a spreadsheet file where data is organized in rows and columns.

Workbook

A file that contains one or more worksheets in spreadsheet software.

00:00:04

we see it's a formula with the sum function.

00:00:07

A function is a predefined formula, it helps you save time.

00:00:12

Let me show you.

00:00:14

This formula is =, SUM, open parenthesis

00:00:19

B2:B5 and parenthesis.

00:00:27

The colon indicates a range of cells.

00:00:30

The formula adds the range of cells from B2 through B5,

00:00:34

it's essentially B2+B3+B4+B5.

00:00:46

You can see that when adding a few cells, the SUM fonction will save you time.

00:00:51

With larger ranges of cells, it's essential.

00:00:55

To create a formula with a SUM fonction, you type =,

00:01:00

SUM, open parenthesis, select the range of cells you want to add,

00:01:08

and press Enter.

00:01:12

The syntax or grammar of the SUM function is SUM,

00:01:16

open parenthesis, number 1, number 2

00:01:22

and so on, and a closing parenthesis.

00:01:25

The arguments of a function, in this case, number 1, 2

00:01:30

and so on, are always contained in opening and closing parentheses.

00:01:35

Number 1 is required.

00:01:37

Square brackets around subsequent arguments indicate they are optional.

00:01:43

The arguments are separated by commas.

00:01:46

The arguments don't have to literally be numbers such as 8.

00:01:50

They can be numbers from a range of cells, formulas

00:01:53

or the results from other functions.

00:01:56

You can use up to a total of 255 arguments.

00:02:00

Let's try it out.

00:02:03

If I try to use AutoSum here, it only gets the adjacent cells,

00:02:07

not the entire column.

00:02:10

We can enter the sum function so that it adds the entire column,

00:02:14

you do this by entering individual cells.

00:02:18

I type =, SUM,

00:02:21

open parenthesis, press the Ctrl key so I don't have to type the commas,

00:02:27

select the first cell, the next cell and so on,

00:02:33

and finally press Enter.

00:02:36

The formula uses the sum function to add the cells.

00:02:41

As we previously saw, you can add a range of cells that are adjacent.

00:02:46

To add ranges of cells that are not adjacent, type the =,

00:02:52

SUM, open parenthesis,

00:02:56

hold down the Ctrl key, select the first range of cells,

00:03:01

select the second range of cells and press Enter.

00:03:06

Let's take a close look at the formula:

00:03:09

as always it starts with =,

00:03:12

then the SUM fonction, open parenthesis, then the first range of cells, D2:D3,

00:03:20

this is the number 1 argument in a SUM fonction,

00:03:24

then a comma, then the next range of cells D5:D6,

00:03:31

this is the number 2 argument in a SUM fonction,

00:03:34

and then the closing parenthesis.

00:03:38

You can sum numbers from different worksheets in the same workbook.

00:03:43

I type the equal sign, sum, parenthesis,

00:03:48

first cell, comma, select the second cell from a different worksheet,

00:03:55

and press Enter.

00:04:00

As always the formula starts with an equal sign,

00:04:03

then the SUM fonction, open parenthesis,

00:04:08

C8 is the number 1 argument in the function, then a comma.

00:04:15

In creating the formula, all you have to do is select

00:04:17

the cell in a different worksheet, but I thought I'd go

00:04:20

through what it looks like in a formula,

00:04:23

it starts with an apostrophe, the name of the worksheet,

00:04:28

another apostrophe, an exclamation point,

00:04:33

and then the cell reference on the other worksheet.

00:04:36

Pretty cool.

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