Learn how to use the SUM function and AutoSum in Microsoft Excel to quickly add values across cells, columns, or rows. Includes syntax, examples, and tips for efficient usage.
You can add individual values, cell references or ranges or a mix of all three.
Syntax:
=SUM(number1, [number2], [number3], ...)
number1 (required): The first number or range to add.
number2, number3, ... (optional): Additional numbers or ranges (up to 255 total arguments).
Examples:
Sum individual numbers:
=SUM(5, 10, 15) // Returns 30
Sum a range of cells:
=SUM(A1:A10) // Adds all numbers in cells A1 to A10
Sum multiple ranges:
=SUM(A1:A5, B1:B5) // Adds numbers in A1:A5 and B1:B5
Sum with mixed references:
=SUM(A1, B2, C3:C10) // Adds A1, B2, and the range C3:C10
Tips:
Ignores text, logical values (TRUE/FALSE), and empty cells.
If a cell contains an error, the entire SUM function will return that error.
Use SUMIF or SUMIFS for conditional summing.
2. Use AutoSum to sum numbers
What is AutoSum in Excel?
AutoSum is a quick and easy way to add up numbers in Excel automatically. It uses the SUM function to calculate the total of a selected range of cells with just a click or a keyboard shortcut.
How to Use AutoSum
Method 1: Using the Ribbon
Select the cell below (for columns) or beside (for rows) the numbers you want to sum.
Go to the Home tab → Click AutoSum (Σ) in the Editing group.
Or go to the Formulas tab → Click AutoSum (Σ).
Excel will automatically detect the range and insert the SUM formula.
Press Enter to confirm.
Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut
Select the target cell and press Alt+Equal sign ( = ) (Windows).
Examples of AutoSum
Sum a Column
If you have numbers in A1:A10, select A11 and click AutoSum (Σ).
Excel will insert:
=SUM(A1:A10)
Sum a Row
If numbers are in A1:E1, select F1 and press Alt + =.
Excel will insert:
=SUM(A1:E1)
Sum Multiple Ranges
Select a cell where you want the total, click AutoSum, then adjust the range manually if needed.
What Else Can AutoSum Do?
AutoSum can also insert other functions automatically, such as:
Average (AVERAGE)
Count Numbers (COUNT)
Maximum (MAX)
Minimum (MIN)
To use these:
Click the drop-down arrow (▼) next to the AutoSum (Σ) button.
Select the desired function.
AutoSum Tips
✅ Detects adjacent data by default (but you can manually adjust the range).
❌ Ignores text and empty cells (only sums numbers).
⚠ If AutoSum selects the wrong range, drag to correct it before pressing Enter.
📺 Excel Tutorial in Urdu: Use of Sum function and AutoSum to sum numbers
This video covers:
✔️ How to use the SUM function by typing it out [00:29]
✔️ How to use cell references in the SUM function [01:31]
✔️ How to use range operators with the SUM function [02:45]
📺 Excel Tutorial in Urdu: Copy values quickly from the status bar
Tasks
Tasks 1: Calculating the Sum of values in Excel
Create a new Excel worksheet.
In cells A1 to A10, enter the following numbers: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100.
In cell A11, enter the following formula: =SUM(A1:A10)
Press Enter.
The result, 550, should appear in cell A11.
Task 2: Calculate the total marks for each students.
Sample Date:
Student
Math
Science
History
Alice
85
90
75
Bob
70
88
80
Carol
92
76
85
David
78
82
70
Emma
90
85
92
Task 3: Use the SUM function to calculate the total sales in the following table:
Month
Sales
January
100
February
120
March
150
April
180
May
210
📘 Related Topics
SUMIF function – Learn how to add up only the numbers that match your rule in Excel—like totaling sales for one product or expenses in a category..
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