The Excel SUMSQ function squares each number you give it and adds the squares — the sum of squares used throughout statistics, geometry, and regression.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
number1 | Required | The first number, array, or range to square. |
number2, ... | Optional | Up to 254 more numbers or ranges. Each value is squared, then all squares are added. |
How to use it
SUMSQ raises every argument to the power of 2 and totals them. You can pass loose numbers or an array constant.
It's a quick way to get the squared length of a vector or the numerator of a variance calculation. For the Pythagorean hypotenuse, combine it with SQRT: =SQRT(SUMSQ(3,4)) returns 5.
Hypotenuse in one line: =SQRT(SUMSQ(3,4)) = 5, because 3-4-5 is a right triangle.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a SUMSQ example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
What does SUMSQ calculate?
SUMSQ(3,4) = 3² + 4² = 9 + 16 = 25.Can SUMSQ take a range or array?
=SUMSQ(A1:A10) squares and totals a range, and =SUMSQ({1,2,3}) = 14 works with an array constant.How do I get a hypotenuse with SUMSQ?
=SQRT(SUMSQ(3,4)) = 5. SUMSQ gives a²+b² and SQRT takes the root.Does SUMSQ ignore text in a range?
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