Excel SUM Function: Add a Range Fast
By Szabó Gergő · Updated
SUM adds every number in a range. Text and blanks are ignored, which makes it safer than a long A1+A2+A3 chain.
Syntax and arguments
=SUM(number1, [number2], ...)- number1
- A cell, range, or constant to add.
SUM examples
01
One column
Amounts in B2:B20.
=SUM(B2:B20)Text headers inside the range are ignored.
02
Several blocks
Jan in B, Feb in C.
=SUM(B2:B20,C2:C20)Each argument is added together.
03
Whole column minus a header
Numbers from B2 down.
=SUM(B2:B1048576)Prefer a realistic end row on large files.
Common mistakes
Summing the running-total column
Sum the amount column, not the cumulative column.
Hidden rows you wanted excluded
Use SUBTOTAL(109,B2:B20) or AGGREGATE to skip filtered rows.
Circular reference
Do not put SUM of B:B in column B.
SUM FAQ
Does SUM add text numbers?
No. Convert with VALUE first or use SUM(VALUE(B2:B20)) as a dynamic array in 365.
SUM vs SUMIF?
SUM adds everything. SUMIF adds rows that match one test.
Can I sum a 3D range?
Yes: =SUM(Sheet1:Sheet3!B2:B20) adds the same block across sheets.