You're working on a spreadsheet and suddenly you need a quick total for a list of numbers.
There's a much easier way to do this than adding things up by hand or endlessly scrolling through data. Excel's sum function can be a lifesaver, whether you're tracking sales, expenses, or even something as simple as a grocery budget.
Adding a column in Excel is a handy trick that you'll find yourself using more often than you think. It's simple, and with just a few clicks, you'll be adding up your data in no time.
The first step is to select the cell in which the total will appear.
In the following example, cells B3 through B6 contain the data, and cell B8 is the selected total.
See how to sum a column in Excel with ease: How to sum a column in Excel
Select the cell where you want your answer; here it is B8
Step #2: Access the AutoSum function
Navigate to the Home tab of the Excel ribbon.
Look for the AutoSum albania number data button. It's represented by the Greek letter sigma (Σ) in the editing group on the right side of the ribbon.
You can find the AutoSum button on the 'Home' ribbon: How to sum a column in Excel
You can find the AutoSum button on the 'Home' ribbon
Step #3: Click the AutoSum button
Once you click the AutoSum button, Excel automatically highlights the range of cells it thinks you want to sum. It inserts the formula into the selected cell.
In our example, we get '=SUM(B3:B7)'
Excel highlights the entire column to sum the added numbers : How to sum a column in Excel
Add the formula to the selected cell
Step #4: Confirm the selection
Press Enter to complete the formula. Excel will display the total in the selected cell.
Press enter to get the answer in the last cell : How to sum a column in Excel
Press enter to get the answer in the last cell
Pro Tip: You can also use the AutoSum shortcut, 'ALT ='. Just select the cell you want the total for, hold down the Alt key, press the '=' sign, and press Enter. The sum will appear instantly.
Addition with Excel formulas
Another way to sum a column in Excel is with its formulas. The SUM() function allows you to sum a range of numbers. It is mostly used for arithmetic calculations in spreadsheets.
Let's see how to use this formula to add numbers.
Step #1: Identify your data range and select a cell
Locate the range of cells that have the numbers you want to sum. Click the cell where you want the total to appear.
For example, if your sum values are in cells A2 through A9, we'll choose A10 for the total.
Select the cell for the answer : How to sum a column in Excel
Select the cell for the answer
Step #2: Enter the SUM() formula
After you select the cell where you want the total to appear, type the formula. You can also select and drag the cursor across the range of numbers.
In this example, we will write, '=SUM(A2:A9)'.
Write the formula for the sum: How to sum a column in Excel
Write the formula for the sum
Step #3: Press enter
Once you have typed the formula, just press Enter.
Excel will calculate the total of all the numbers in cells A2 through A9 and display it in cell reference A11.
Press enter to get the answer : How to sum a column in Excel
Press enter to get the answer
Step #4: Add multiple intervals
If you want to add multiple intervals, you can separate them with commas.
For example, '=SUM(A2:A9,B2:B9)' This adds the numeric values in these cells and gives you the answer in the selected cell. It does not take into account text values, if any.
How to Sum a Column in Excel | ClickUp
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