The SUM function is the most common function used in Excel and also the simplest to use. There are many ways to perform a Sum in Excel

1. Write the name SUM in a cell to create a function to add all the cells of your range
2. The ∑ symbol in the ribbon creates a SUM in a cell
3. The Shortcut Alt + =
4. Quick Analysis is a tool that will perform a sum (or other basic statistical calculation) just by selecting an icon

• Tutorial: Learn how to use the SUM function in Excel

Don’t add the cells one by one ⛔

When you work with Excel for the very first time, many people start to create their first formula by selecting many cells

=A1+A2+A3+A4+ …

The calculation will be correct for sure but what a waste of time, especially if you have hundreds of cells to add 😤😱😡 If you have to calculate the sum of many cells in a quick way, it’s much better to use the function SUM.

#1: Write the SUM function in a cell

To perform a SUM function in Excel it’s very simple

1. Start with the = sign in your cell
2. Then, you enter the word SUM
3. Then you open a parenthesis.
4. Select all the cells that you want to include in your sum
5. Close the parenthesis

=SUM(A1:A5)

#2: The Sigma symbol

Instead of writing the formula directly in the cell, you can use the symbol Sigma in the ribbon, in the Home tab

The method is simple. You can either

• Select the cell to add and then click on the icon
• Or, select the cell just under your values then press ∑

#3: The Shortcut

You can also create the SUM function with the shortcut Alt + =

1. Select your data to add
2. Press Alt + =

#4: The Quick Analysis

The last technique you can use it’s with the Quick Analysis Tool.

1. Select your Data
2. Click on the Quick Analysis icon
3. Go to the menu Totals
4. Select the option Sum of the rows or Sum for the columns

Dynamic sum

You can create a dynamic sum by using the INDEX function. This is more for advanced Excel users

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