How to use the SUM formula in Google Sheets
Learn how to add up numbers in Google Sheets using the SUM formula, from single ranges to multiple columns and mobile edits.
Quick answer
To use the SUM formula in Google Sheets, click an empty cell, type =SUM( followed by the cell range you want to add, such as A1:A10, then close the parenthesis and press Enter. Sheets instantly calculates the total and updates it automatically whenever the source values change.
Steps at a glance
- Click the empty cell where you want the total
- Type =SUM( to start the formula
- Select or type the cell range to add
- Close the parenthesis and press Enter
- Check the result matches your expected total
- Adjust the range if new rows are added
- Format the cell as currency or number if needed
Summary
The SUM formula is the fastest way to add up numbers in Google Sheets, whether you're totaling a single column or combining values from several ranges. Once entered, it recalculates automatically any time the underlying numbers change, so your totals are always current.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open your spreadsheet and pick a cell
Open the Google Sheets file containing the numbers you want to total. Click on the empty cell where you want the sum to appear — this is usually just below or beside the column or row of numbers.
Step 2
Type the SUM formula
Type an equals sign followed by SUM and an opening parenthesis, like this: =SUM(. Google Sheets will show a small formula hint box confirming you're entering a function correctly.
Step 3
Select the range of cells to add
Click and drag across the cells you want to total, or type the range manually, such as A2:A15. You can also add individual cells separated by commas, like =SUM(A2, A5, A9), if the numbers aren't in a continuous block.
Step 4
Close the formula and press Enter
Type a closing parenthesis after your range and press Enter or Tab. The cell will display the total, and the formula bar above will show the full =SUM() formula you entered for reference.
Step 5
Verify the result
Double-check the total against a few manually added numbers to confirm accuracy. If you've already applied a filter or sorted the data, revisit /guides/google-sheets/sort-a-table to make sure the range still reflects the correct rows.
Step 6
Adjust the range as your data grows
If you add new rows to your column, click the cell with your SUM formula and extend the range by dragging the small blue handle at the corner of the selected range, or edit the formula directly in the formula bar.
Step 7
Format the total for clarity
Highlight the result cell and use the toolbar to apply currency, percentage, or number formatting as needed. If you're preparing this data for a chart, check /guides/google-sheets/create-a-chart to visualize your totals alongside the raw figures.
Why this matters
You're building a budget, expense tracker, or sales report and need accurate running totals without manually adding numbers or risking typos. Mastering the SUM formula lets you get instant, error-free totals that update automatically, saving time on every spreadsheet you build going forward.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use SUM on numbers from different sheets?
Yes. Reference another sheet by including its name before the cell range, like =SUM(Sheet2!A1:A10). This lets you total values without copying data between tabs.
What's the difference between SUM and SUBTOTAL?
SUM adds every value in a range regardless of filtering, while SUBTOTAL can ignore hidden or filtered-out rows. If you're working with filtered data, pair SUBTOTAL with the steps in /guides/google-sheets/filter-data for more accurate totals.
Does the SUM formula work the same way on mobile?
Yes, the Google Sheets mobile app supports the same =SUM() syntax. Tap the target cell, type the formula using the on-screen keyboard, select your range by tapping and dragging, then confirm with the checkmark.
Can I add non-adjacent cells with SUM?
Yes. Separate each cell or range with a comma inside the parentheses, such as =SUM(A1:A5, C1:C5, E2), and Sheets will add all specified values together.
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