Dynamic sum techniques are essential when managing frequently updated data in Excel. This article explains two methods for creating a dynamic sum:
- Using Excel Tables
- or the SUM function with INDEX.
Method 1: Using an Excel Table
When new data is added, tables expand automatically, making them ideal for a dynamic sum 😉
- Create a Table
- Write the SUM Function in a cell outside the table
- Select the column table with this trick
- The reference of your formula looks like TableName[ColumnName]
Why it works?
The dynamic sum works because Excel Tables automatically expand as new data is added. When referencing a column in a table, the SUM function includes all values. The table structure adjusts, ensuring the reference updates with new entries. This feature simplifies managing and summing changing data efficiently.
Method 2: Using the SUM Function with INDEX
The INDEX function in Excel can return a cell reference instead of a value 😮
This feature allows it to adjust ranges in a formula dynamically. When used with other functions like SUM, INDEX provides flexibility. Referencing the last cell in a range, making formulas responsive to data changes.
In this example, we’ll create a dropdown list to select a date from Column A. Based on the chosen date, we’ll calculate the sum of all cells from the first cell to the selected date.
- Create a Dropdown menu.
- Use the MATCH function to find the position of the selected date.
- Embed the MATCH function within the INDEX function to return the cell reference in Column B, not its value =INDEX($B$2:$B$13,MATCH($D$5,$A$2:$A$13,0))
- Use this INDEX function as the last cell reference of the SUM function. Note the colon sign ( : ) between the 2 parts of the range of cells.
12/10/2022 @ 20:08
Excellent explanation.