Sum entire column

Excel allows us to sum all values from any column by using the SUM function. This step by step tutorial will assist all levels of Excel users in summing values from a column.

Figure 1. The final result of the SUM function

Syntax of the SUM Formula

The generic formula for summing entire column looks like:

=SUM(range)

The parameter of the SUMIF function is:

• range – can be a range of cells or an entire column

Setting up Our Data for the SUM Function

Our table consists of 3 columns: “Delivery Number” (column B), “Delivery Date” (column C) and “Amount” (column D). In cell G2, we want to get the sum of all the Amounts (entire column D).

Figure 2. Data that we will use in the SUM example

Sum Entire Column Using the SUM Function

We want to sum all amounts from column D in the cell G2. The formula looks like:

=SUM(D:D)

The range parameter is D:D, as we want to sum the entire column D.

To apply the SUM function, we need to follow these steps:

• Select cell G2 and click on it
• Insert the formula: =SUM(D:D)
• Press enter

Figure 3. Using the SUM function to sum the entire column

We see in this example that the formula sums all the amounts from the column D. The sum in the cell G2 is $4.600.

In this example, we can also put D3:D9 as the range of the SUM function. The result would be the same as in the previous example. However, if we add new rows in the table, the sum will stay the same, as our range is fixed on D3:D9. Let’s look at the example:

Figure 4. Using the SUM function with the fixed range

We added two now rows in the data table. As you can see in the picture, the result of the SUM function in the cell G2 remained the same.

Notes

We must have in mind that the SUM function sums all the rows, even the hidden ones. So, in order to check the result of the function, we need to unhide all the rows.

Most of the time, the problem you will need to solve will be more complex than a simple application of a formula or function. If you want to save hours of research and frustration, try our live Excelchat service! Our Excel Experts are available 24/7 to answer any Excel question you may have. We guarantee a connection within 30 seconds and a customized solution within 20 minutes.