Creating Formulas Using the Sum Function

The SUM mathematical function is used to add several cells together. Instead of writing a formula with several references separated by a plus sign, you can "sum" a range of cells. A SUM function looks like this:

=SUM(A3:A6)

To use the SUM Function:

  1. Select the cell in which you want to enter the function.
  2. Click the Insert Function button.
  3. Click SUM from the list of Most Recently Used or Math & Trig functions and click OK.
  4. If necessary, enter the range of cells that you want to add (by default, Excel will enter a range of contiguous cells for you).
  5. Click OK.


  • When you click an argument box, a description of the argument appears below the description of the function. Also, as you enter arguments, the dialog box will display the results of your formula.
  • If the SUM function is not in your list of most recently used functions, click the arrow next to the Or select a category: box, click Math & Trig, and select SUM from that list of functions.

To enter an argument by dragging:

  1. Select the argument box in which you want to add the values.
  2. Click and drag on the worksheet to select the cells you want to add to the formula.
You can also enter the SUM function by:
  • Selecting Function... from the Insert menu.
    OR
  • Clicking the AutoSum toolbar button to automatically sum the column or row.