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Math & Trig
The Excel SUMXMY2 function returns the sum of squared differences — for each matched pair it computes (x − y)² and adds them, the core of squared-error and distance calculations.
Quick answer:
=SUMXMY2({2,3},{1,2}) = (2-1)^2 + (3-2)^2 = 2
Syntax
=SUMXMY2(array_x, array_y)
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
array_x | Required | The first array or range of values (the x values). |
array_y | Required | The second array or range, same size as array_x (the y values). |
How to use it
SUMXMY2 subtracts each y from its paired x, squares the difference, and adds the results — it totals (x − y)² over both arrays.
=SUMXMY2({2,3},{1,2}) // 1 + 1 = 2
=SUMXMY2({5,7},{1,2}) // 16 + 25 = 41
This is the sum of squared errors (SSE) you see in regression, and the un-rooted form of Euclidean distance. The name reads as X Minus Y, squared.
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Result:
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Frequently asked questions
What does SUMXMY2 compute?
The sum of squared differences: for each pair it finds (x − y)² and adds them.
SUMXMY2({2,3},{1,2}) = 1² + 1² = 2.How is SUMXMY2 different from SUMX2MY2?
SUMXMY2 sums (x − y)² — subtract first, then square. SUMX2MY2 sums (x² − y²) — square first, then subtract. Order matters and the results differ.
What is SUMXMY2 used for?
It is the sum of squared errors in regression and the squared Euclidean distance between two vectors. Take its SQRT to get the straight-line distance.
Do the arrays need to match in size?
Yes. If the two arrays differ in length, SUMXMY2 returns a #N/A error.
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