Google Sheets Formulas
sum
How to Use SUM Function in Google Sheets
SHARE THIS Article
Use SUM to add numbers in individual cells, ranges, rows, columns, or arrays. In a finance workbook, SUM powers section totals on a P&L, budget rollups, and simple variance schedules. Syntax:
=SUM(value1, [value2, …])
You can pass numbers, cell references, or ranges. Sheets ignores most text in SUM ranges and treats blank cells as zero for addition.
Why SUM shows up in FP&A sheets
Almost every management report needs subtotals: revenue by product, opex by department, or cash by entity tab. SUM is the default. Pair it with clean inputs. If your “inputs” are still monthly QuickBooks CSVs, LiveFlow for Google Sheets can feed live actuals into the ranges you already sum.
How to enter a SUM formula
Select the cell that should show the total.
Type =SUM( or choose Insert → Function → SUM.
Select the cells or type the range (for example, B2:B14).
Close the parenthesis and press Enter.
Add a few cells
Without SUM, you can write =B2+C2+D2. With SUM, use =SUM(B2,C2,D2) or =SUM(B2:D2). Prefer ranges when the block is contiguous; they are easier to extend.
Sum a row
Example total across months in row 6:
=SUM(B6:D6)
To sum several separate row segments:
=SUM(B8:D8, B9:D9, B10:D10)
Sum a column
Example:
=SUM(B12:B14)
Multiple column segments:
=SUM(B16:B18, C16:C18, D16:D18)
Sum an array (block)
For a 3×3 block:
=SUM(B20:D22)
That adds every numeric value in the rectangle.
Auto-updating totals
If you write =SUM(B20:D22) over a range that is still empty, new numbers you type later are included automatically. Size the range (or use a Table-like habit with extra blank rows) so next month’s inputs still fall inside the SUM.
Practical tips for finance models
Prefer SUM over long + chains; ranges survive insert/delete better.
For filtered lists where you need visible rows only, look at SUBTOTAL or SUM on a dedicated helper column, not a blind full-column sum.
Keep section headers and notes outside the summed numeric range so text labels do not confuse audits (even though SUM usually skips text).
Why finance teams use LiveFlow
SUM totals what is already in the grid. LiveFlow FP&A keeps that grid tied to QuickBooks Online (and other books) so your SUM lines track live actuals instead of last week’s paste. You keep formulas and formatting in Sheets; LiveFlow refreshes the source numbers.
CTA: Book a demo to see LiveFlow FP&A in Google Sheets.
FAQ
Does SUM include hidden rows?
Standard SUM includes values even if rows are hidden by a filter. Use SUBTOTAL (or newer visible-row patterns) when you only want what is on screen.
Can SUM add across sheets?
Yes. Reference other tabs explicitly, for example =SUM(Jan!B2:B50, Feb!B2:B50).
Supercharge your financial reporting