The Excel SUM function adds numbers, cell references, and ranges — the single most-used function in Excel and the engine behind every total, subtotal, and running balance.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
number1 | Required | The first number, cell reference, or range to add. |
number2, ... | Optional | Up to 254 additional numbers or ranges. Mix values, cells, and ranges freely. |
How to use it
SUM accepts up to 255 arguments and adds them all. Each argument can be a single value, a cell reference, or an entire range — and you can mix them in one formula.
Text, logical values, and empty cells inside a referenced range are ignored, so SUM is safe to point at a column that mixes numbers with headers or notes. (A stray non-numeric text string passed directly as an argument — like =SUM(1,"x") — is the exception: it returns #VALUE!.)
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Amount |
| 2 | Widgets | 120 |
| 3 | Gadgets | 80 |
| 4 | Gizmos | 50 |
| 5 | Total | =SUM(B2:B4) → 250 |
AutoSum shortcut: select the cell below a column of numbers and press Alt+= — Excel writes the SUM formula and guesses the range for you.
Try it: interactive demo
Enter numbers separated by commas and watch SUM total them.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Does SUM ignore text and blank cells?
=SUM(1,"x"), returns #VALUE!. (Numeric text such as "5" passed directly is converted to a number.)What is the keyboard shortcut for SUM?
Alt+= (AutoSum). Excel inserts =SUM(...) and guesses the range.How many numbers can SUM add?
Why does my SUM return 0 or skip some values?
VALUE, multiply by 1, or use Text to Columns.Master functions like this in one day
This page covers one function. Our Excel Formulas and Functions class covers the 30 that matter most — live, hands-on, taught by professionals in Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Oklahoma City, Denver, or online.
See the Formulas & Functions Class