Summing columns or rows is a common arithmetic operation while working on spreadsheets. While Google Sheets supports many functions, there are only several that are frequently used to make calculations in a spreadsheet. Perhaps the most utilized function is the SUM() function. This article shows you how to sum a column or row in Google Sheets.
SUM() Function
SUM() function returns a sum of the series of numbers in your cells.
Syntax
SUM(value1, [value2, ...])- value1 – The first number or range to add together.
- value2, … – Additional numbers or ranges to add to value1.
Sum a Column in Google Sheets
To sum up, an entire column, do the following:
- Suppose we want to see the sum of the “Quarter 1” column. First, select the cell where you want the total value to display.
Select the Cell where you want the Column Total. - Invoke the SUM function by typing =SUM
Type “=SUM” - Add the cell range inside the parentheses separated by a colon. The resulting formula for our example will appear as:
=SUM(B2:B5)To apply the formula, hit Enter.
Add the cell range inside the parentheses. - We can copy the formula across by simply dragging cells where you have the formula across.
Drag the fill handle across to copy the formula.
Sum a Row in Google Sheets
To sum up, an entire row, do the following:
- Suppose we want to see the sum of the “East” region. Select the cell where you want the total value to display.
Select the Cell where you want the Row Total. - Invoke the SUM function by typing =SUM
Type “=SUM” - Add the range inside the parentheses separated by a colon. The resulting formula for our example will appear as:
=SUM(...)
To apply the formula, hit Enter.
Add the cell range inside the parentheses. - We can copy the formula across by simply dragging across the cells you want to apply the formula to.
Drag the fill handle downwards to copy the formula.