Microsoft Excel 
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USING THE SUM FUNCTION TO ADD 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
One of the most used functions is the SUM 
function. This function allows you to add the 
values in a range of cells. The function is written 
as: =SUM(range or ranges to add). You can  
type the function, and then use the pointing 
technique to fill in the arguments. Excel then paints 
marquees around the cells involved helping you to 
track your progress.  
 
Try This Yourself: 
Open 
File Before starting this exercise 
you MUST open the file E710 
Formulas_4.xlsx... 
 
Click on B9 then type =sum( 
to start the formula 
 
Click on B6 to point to this cell 
as the start, hold down the  
key and click on B8 
Notice the relative addressing 
details, 3R x 1C, that appear in 
the tool tip… 
 
Type )
 and press  to 
complete the function 
 
Click on B9, then move the 
mouse pointer to the fill handle 
on the lower right corner of the 
cell and drag across to E9 to 
fill the selected range with the 
equivalent functions 
 
Click on the Copy command 
 on the Clipboard group on 
the Home tab 
 
Click on B14
, hold down  
and then click on cells B19 
and B24 
 
Release  and press  
to paste equivalent functions 
into the worksheet 
 
For Your Reference… 
To type a sum function for a contiguous range: 
1. Type =sum( 
2. Select the range of cells 
3. Type ) 
4. Press  
Handy to Know… 
 You can also use the Sum command in the 
Editing group on the Home tab of the 
Ribbon to have Excel automatically enter a 
sum function based on a range of cells. 
 You can also type the name of a function in 
upper or lowercase – it is not case sensitive. 
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