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 😉

1. Create a Table
2. Write the SUM Function in a cell outside the table
3. Select the column table with this trick
4. 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.

1. Create a Dropdown menu.
2. Use the MATCH function to find the position of the selected date.

3. 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))
4. 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.

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