How to Add Up Rows in Google Sheets – Methods

• Method 1: Click the cell > select SUM in the Functions menu > select the cells to be added
• Method 2: Select an empty cell > enter =SUM( and select the cells. Close with ) > Press Enter

Whether you’re managing a budget, tracking sales, or analyzing data, knowing how to perform basic addition can make your tasks much easier. Google Sheets offers intuitive and powerful tools to help you add numbers efficiently, saving you time and reducing errors. In this article, you’ll learn the simple steps to add numbers in Google Sheets, from using basic formulas to leveraging built-in functions. Get ready to enhance your spreadsheet skills and make your data work for you!

How to Sum Rows in Google Sheets

What is SUM Functions in Google Sheets

The SUM function in Google Sheets, similar to Microsoft Office Excel, is designed to calculate the total of selected values. It proves to be quite convenient, particularly when you’re dealing with only a handful of values to be added together.

While it’s true that performing a manual calculation like “7+10+3” doesn’t require a computer’s assistance, in real-world scenarios, this formula proves to be exceptionally valuable for a variety of values. The key advantage lies in the automatic updating of the sum whenever there are changes or additions made to the values within a chosen row or column.

For example, in the instance mentioned above, if you were to alter the “7” to “153” the sum displayed in the designated cell would automatically adjust from “20” to “163” without any manual intervention.

How to Use SUM Function in Google Sheets

Google Sheets offers a built-in function called SUM for this purpose. When you use this function, the spreadsheet automatically updates whenever changes are made to the cells in the specified range. This means that if you modify entries or add text to previously blank cells, the total will adjust to include the new data.

To use the SUM function, write it like this:

=SUM(number 1, Number 2,….Number n)

How to Auto Sum in Google Sheets

AUTOSUM operates much like the SUM function. It can automatically identify and implement the sum formula for a row, eliminating the need to manually specify the range. This function is exclusively found in Microsoft Excel.

In Google Sheets, a parallel functionality can be achieved by highlighting the desired rows and using the Function (Σ) symbol, followed by selecting the SUM option.

Step 1: Select the Row

Select the entire row whose value you desire to sum up. You are not required to manually select the cells of the row. Just click on the row number on the Left side of your spreadsheet and the row will be selected.

Select the Row

Step 2: Click on the Function (Σ) symbol in the Toolbar

As the row is already selected, you have to apply the SUM function from the Toolbar. On the top toolbar find the “Σ” symbol and click on it.

Click on the Function (Σ) symbol in the Toolbar

Step 3: Select the SUM Function

Navigate to the top menu bar click on the “Σ” symbol and select the “SUM” function from the drop-down menu.

Select the SUM function

This is how it will look when you select the SUM function.

Preview when you click on SUM Function

Step 4: Press Enter to see the SUM results

After you see the SUM Function with the values in the cell, press the “Enter” key. On pressing the “Enter” key the value of the function and the Total Sum of the Row are added.

Press enter to see results

How to Sum only selected Rows in Google Sheets

There can be scenarios where you want to Sum up only some selected values in a row. Here we have to enter the exact cell locations of the values you want to include and add them to the SUM Function.

Step 1: Select a Cell and Click on Function (Σ) from the toolbar

Select the cell where you want to add the Value of the Sum. Now, on the top toolbar find the “Σ” symbol and click on it.

Select a Cell and Click on Function (Σ) from the toolbar

Step 2: Select the SUM Function

From the dropdown that is opened below the “Σ” symbol, click on the “SUM” function.

Select SUM function

Step 3: Select the Cells to be Added

After clicking on the SUM function, a blank SUM() will appear and it requires the select the cells. Inside the brackets () select the cells thatselection of you desire to sum up. You can manually select the cell locations or just click on the multiple cells while Pressing the “CTRL” key, it will select the cells.

Select the cells to be added

Step 4: Press Enter

Now the sum value of the Selected cells will be calculated and displayed as an output.

Press Enter

How to Sum Rows in Google Sheets on Mobile

Step 1: Open the Sheet where you want to perform the operations

Open the Google Sheets app with your Google Account signed in, and open the specific sheet where you want to perform the operations.

Open the Sheet

Step 2: Click on an empty Cell

Select the cell where you want to have the sum of any row, then click on the “fx” beside the Entering Text box. This opens the category of functions available.

Click on Empty Cell

Step 3: Tap on the fx Icon and Select Math Functions

Go to the categoriesfx icon located on the bottom left of your mobile screen and From the list of categories of functions list, click on the “Math” option. This will open all the Math Functions which are available to implement.

Tap on the fx Icon and Select Math Functions

Step 4: Select the SUM function

After that Select the Sum functions from the List of Math Functions.

Select SUM

Step 5: =SUM() will be displayed in Cell

On clicking on the Sum function, the =SUM() will be added to the Cell that was previously selected.

=SUM() will be displayed in Cell

Step 6: Select the Row to be Added and Click the Tick button

Select the entire row whose value you desire to sum up. You are not required to manually select the cells of the row. Just click on the row number on the Left side of your spreadsheet and the row will be selected.

Select the row and click on tick option

Step 7: Click on the Tick button and Preview the Results

Click on the tick beside the Input Field, and the sum of the Entire row will be added to that selected cell.

Preview the Result

Conclusion

Once you get the hang of it, the SUM function in Google Sheets is one of the easiest formulae to use. Anyone dealing with data needs to know how to add up rows in Google Sheets. Here, you can see how the straightforward SUM() method, when utilized wisely, may save you from needless bother.

Correct use of the SUM function guarantees that the sum is updated by changes in data and prevents the possibility of a human error in computations. As you gain experience with Google Sheets, you’ll see that it has a wide range of data analysis features that make it useful for both personal and professional use.

How to Sum Rows in Google Sheets – FAQs

How do you total rows in Google Sheets?

Use =SUM(range) where “range” is the cells you want to total, like A1:A10.

Can I add up rows in Google Sheets that are different lengths?

Yes, by establishing criteria for each cell, you may utilise array formulae with IF statements to add up rows of various lengths.

Can I add rows in Google Sheets using any keyboard shortcuts?

Yes, you may speed up sum calculations when dealing with array formulae by using shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift + Enter (or Cmd + Shift + Enter on a Mac).

How can I add up rows in Google Sheets that have negative numbers?

The SUM function may be used as normal and can deal with both positive and negative integers. Just make sure the range you choose contains the proper cell references.

What is the SUM formula in Google Sheets?

The SUM formula in Google Sheets is used to add up a range of numbers. The basic syntax is: =SUM(Range)