SUM

Sum Function

       Sum function is used to create total from a list of numbers. The list can be a cell reference, a range, a positive or negative constant value, a formula, an array, even a Boolean text (when calculate, True will be translated into number 1 and False will be translated into number 0) or all together.

Syntax

      

   =SUM(Number1,Number2,...Number255)

• Number1 - required
• Number2 to Number255 - optional
• If input number has error, then excel displays an error value

Shortcut

      Alt+= (press Alt key then equal key)

      When this shortcut is used, excel consider the adjacent ranges either in horizontally or vertically

Tips when Drag with Mouse

• Adjust Range 

  When you click the cell where SUM formula is entered, excel automatically highlights the ranges which included in SUM formula. By dragging in or out, you can change the SUM formula ranges. 

• Copy to other cells

  SUM formula can be easily copied to other cells either by dragging or copy-paste command.
  
  • When you drag or copy-paste SUM formula to other cells, the range value will be automatically adjusted by excel with respective to the cell where you drag. But, if '$' is included in front of row number or column letter, then the range value will not be altered. You can understand this, in the Example section. This is a useful trick.

Example

Introduction

    

    Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application which is created by Microsoft Corporation. Nowadays, it is used everywhere like at home, office, schools, organizations etc. So gathering knowledge in excel is important to all.It is easy to learn and also simple to use.
In this site, I'm going to post all important concepts (including formulas) in excel that will make your everyday life easier.

    If you are very basic user, then you may get some difficulties. But no need to worry. You can learn basic knowledge very faster/easier than other applications. If you are the one, i suggest to learn some basics, before you read articles from this site.

• Formula

            Formula plays a major role in excel. It will do a lot of things in excel on behalf of you. Once you familiar with all formulas and if you know how to use it, then you are almost an excel geek. But, how to get familiar with formulas. Simple, learn the syntax first and use it frequently wherever possible. So first, I'll try to explain the formula syntax as much as possible.

•  Others

            Beside formula, there are lot of tools, you should learn in excel. Even, the latest versions of excel has many useful options. Although i can not explain each and every tool (should consider the time!!), at least I'd like to explain important tools.
            So, you can expect my posts as "formulas first, tools second".

     

      PS: Examples and Syntax I explained in this site, are applicable for excel versions from 2007, 2010 and so on.  It does not work or may not work properly, if your excel version is below 2007 (say 2003).
      

      Please drop your comments, whatever it is. Always welcome.