How to Sum a Column in Google Sheets [5 Formulas]

Are you looking to learn how to sum a column in Google Sheets? The easiest way to accomplish this task is by using the SUM function.

To get started, simply type =SUM() and specify the column within the parentheses. For example, if you want to get the sum of the entire column A, you would type =SUM(A:A). If you want to sum a range within a column, it would look something like =SUM(A1:A12).

Feeling lost? No worries! In this step-by-step article, I will show you exactly how to do it. So, follow along, take a look at the screenshots with examples, and in less than five minutes, you’ll be using the SUM function to manage your data sets! Let’s dive in.

How to Sum a Column in Google Sheets: A Quick Explanation

Adding cells or a column is one of the most common things users do in Google Sheets. You can use various functions to sum a column in Google Sheets, including the SUBTOTAL and SUM functions.

Here’s how you can make Google Sheets sum a column:

1. Type the equal sign (=) in the cell where you want the total to appear.
2. Type SUM. Several formula suggestions will appear, choose the SUM formula from the suggestions.
3. Select the range you want to sum and press “Enter”.

For example, here’s an example SUM formula for a column in Google Sheets: =SUM(A1:A11). The screenshot below only displays the sums of the cell numbers from A2 to A11. It won’t update with this formula if you want to add information beyond these cells.

For this reason, the best way to sum a column in Google Sheets is to use a formula that encompasses the entire column. Here is what it looks like: =SUM(A:A). In the example above, I can add additional information later. For instance, I can add numbers beyond cell A11 without updating the SUM function column when I do. It automatically incorporates these new numbers because the syntax accepts all the numbers from my chosen column.

What Does the SUM Function Do?

In my article on how to sum in Google Sheets, this process relies on the SUM function. If you haven’t read the article yet, here’s a quick recap.

When you use the SUM function in Google Sheets, it returns the sum of all the numbers in the column to the cell. Google Sheets will suggest the SUM formula as a suggestion. These suggestions are often correct, but it’s always best to check the data to ensure there are no errors.

Syntax of the SUM Function in Google Sheets

One of my favorite ways to understand a function in Google Sheets is by looking at its variables. For example, here is the syntax for the SUM formula in Google Sheets:

=SUM(value, [value2], ...)

The SUM function is quite simple, especially when you break down its components:

• =SUM indicates the function’s name. This informs Google Sheets of the type of calculation to perform.
• value represents the required argument for the function to work (I’ll provide some examples below to give you a better understanding).
• The comma is an essential component and must be included between each value to indicate a new value.
• [value2] is optional. It is only used when you add another argument to the SUM formula.

Quick Examples of How to Sum a Column in Google Sheets

As promised, here’s a quick guide on how to sum a column in Google Sheets using the SUM function.

1. The first example demonstrates how to instruct Google Sheets to sum an entire column. This is a popular option as it allows users to quickly perform calculations, saving time and effort to obtain important information:

=SUM(A:A)

2. If you want to sum a single range of cells to organize the range argument, you can use the following formula to get the total of a column in Google Sheets:

=SUM(A1:A13)

3. To sum multiple data ranges and add the values to better organize your data, you can use the following formula:

=SUM(A1:A13, B1:B13)

4. To enhance your efficiency in Google Sheets, you can also sum numbers using unique values:

=SUM(A1, B1, C5, C15)

5. You can combine single cell values and ranges to merge your data. Here’s how to sum columns in Google Sheets from multiple ranges:

=SUM(A1:A13, B1:B13, C5, C15)

These five formulas represent the most common ways to use the SUM function in Google Sheets. Once you master all of these formulas, you’ll see a significant improvement in your efficiency and organization.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the SUM function by column. But before we do, don’t miss this 2-minute video on how to sum a column in Google Sheets! By the end of this short video, you’ll feel more comfortable using the SUM function and so much more!

A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sum a Column in Google Sheets

Now, let’s discuss how to sum a column in Google Sheets using the SUM function.

Follow the step-by-step guide with screenshots on how to sum a column in Google Sheets. I’ve also included an animated GIF to better illustrate the process.

Step 1: Select an empty cell to perform the calculation.

Step 2: Type =SUM( in the cell.

Step 3: Click and drag the cells you want to sum or manually type the range.

Step 4: Press “Enter”.

Summing an Entire Column Using the SUM Function

Another thing you can do when summing values in a column is to include the entire column in the formula.

For example, suppose you have the following data and you want to add up the values in the entire column. In this case, you want to ensure that if a new value is added to the column, it will also be added to the total.

Here’s the formula to learn how to sum the numbers in a column in Google Sheets:

=SUM(A:A)

Follow the steps below to understand the process.

Step 1: Go to a cell in a different column and type the formula =SUM.

Step 2: Click on the column letter name to select the entire column.

Step 3: Press “Enter”.

The above formula takes A:A as the input range, which represents the entire column.

It’s worth mentioning that any textual value in the column is automatically ignored. So, you’ll always see a numeric value.

Note: To make this work, you need to enter the formula in a cell that is not in the same column. Leaving it in the same column will result in a circular reference error because there would be a circular reference problem.

How to Sum a Column in Google Sheets Using the Status Bar

You can also find the sum of a column without using a formula. All you need is the status bar, which adds up the numbers within a range to display the cell value where you built your formula.

To find the sum of a column using the status bar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the range of data.

Step 2: Go to the status bar at the bottom-right of the screen and click on it.

Step 3: You’ll find options for Sum, Average, Min, Max, and Count. Select “Sum”.

This will show you the sum of the data in the column. However, it won’t return the results to a cell in your spreadsheet.

How to Sum Rows in Google Sheets

You can use the same method for rows. You’ll need to use cell references for the row instead of the column, like this:

=SUM(A1:F1)

As you can see, it works the same way as columns with cell references. And it works in the same way if you want to sum the entire row. For that, you need to make sure the cell performing the calculation is not in the same cell to avoid a reference error.

Using the Function Button Instead of Typing Formulas

An alternative shortcut is to use the function button instead of typing the SUM formula. This can improve your navigation and efficiency as it eliminates the need for manual entry.

Follow these steps to learn how to do it:

1. Select the empty cell to perform the calculation.
2. Click the “Function” shortcut.
3. Click “SUM”.
4. Click and drag over the range.
5. Press “Enter”.

How to Sum a Column in Google Sheets with Text

If you intend to combine two pieces of text into a single value using the addition operator or the ADD function, expect Google Sheets to display the formula incorrectly. That’s because it doesn’t work like Python, a programming language that allows you to add two strings with a plus sign (+).

Instead, you might want to look into the CONCAT and CONCATENATE functions for combining text in a spreadsheet. To learn more about these functions, read our tutorial on How to Add Text to Each Cell in a Column in Google Sheets.

How to Sum a Column in Google Sheets on a Mobile Device

You can also perform most functions in the Google Sheets mobile app, including the SUM function for a column.

Here’s how to get the sum of a column in the Google Sheets mobile app:

1. Tap the cell where you want the results to appear.
2. Tap the input text or formula to display the keyboard.

3. Type the SUM formula in the text box.

4. Select the cells from the column you want to sum.
5. Once you’re done, tap the checkmark.

The formula will return the sum of the selected column to the cell.

How to Add Cells Together in Google Sheets

If you need to add cells together, you can also try entering the two numbers you want to add into separate cells. Then, you can use the addition equation to get the correct sum.

Follow these steps to learn how to do it:

1. In the first cell, input your first addend.
2. Next, select another cell and input the second addend.
3. Then, click on another cell and enter the following syntax:

=B2+C2

4. Finally, press “Enter” to see your results.

Your sum will automatically change when you modify the addends input in your cells. This way, you create a foolproof formula while using an automatic calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to sum a column in Google Sheets?
A: Here’s how to find the sum of a column in Google Sheets:

1. Select an empty cell.
2. Type =SUM( in the cell.
3. Click and drag over the cells you want to sum or manually type the range.
4. Press “Enter”.

Q: How to sum an entire column?
A: To sum an entire column, you need to use the column letter name as the “value” argument for the SUM function. For example, to sum column C, you can use this formula:
=SUM(C:C)
Remember, the cell where you perform the calculation should not be part of the column.

Q: How to sum a row in Google Sheets?
A: Summing a row works the same way as columns. Here’s how to sum a row in Google Sheets using the SUM function:

1. Select an empty cell.
2. Type =SUM( in the cell.
3. Click and drag over the cells in the row you want to sum or manually specify the range.
4. Press “Enter”.
   The final formula might look like this:
   =SUM(A1:F1)

Q: How to sum multiple columns in Google Sheets?
A: Google Sheets can sum the values of multiple columns as many times as you want in the SUM formulas. You simply need to separate them with a comma.
For example, if you want to sum the values of columns A and B as well as rows 3 to 5 in column C, your formula would be:
=SUM(A:A,B:B,C3:C5)

Conclusion on How to Sum a Column in Google Sheets

The SUM function is one of the simplest formulas to use in Google Sheets once you understand it. And when you’ve had enough practice summing in Google Sheets, you’ll feel more comfortable tackling more complex formulas.

Now you know how to sum a column in Google Sheets. But there is still much more to learn about spreadsheets. Check out some related guides below or consider taking a course on spreadsheets to further enhance your knowledge.

To learn more helpful tips and tricks about Google Sheets, visit Crawlan.com.