WORKPLACE SKILLS · PRACTICAL GUIDE

Excel SUM: Check a Total with a Three-Row Example

Put 12, 8 and 5 in A2, A3 and A4. You want a total that changes when any input changes.

The idea behind the exercise

SUM adds the numeric values in its arguments. A range avoids writing a separate reference for every adjacent cell.

Practise Excel SUM in a scratch workbook

Enter =SUM(A2:A4) in A6.

Use a separate practice sheet rather than changing an important workbook. Keep the stated inputs visible and label the result cell. Predict the result before checking Excel so that the exercise tests your understanding instead of your ability to copy instructions.

A mistake to check

A visually empty separator row can make an automatically selected range stop too early. Check the formula's range before trusting the total.

Change one condition and test again

Add 7 in A5 and deliberately extend the range to A2:A5. Predict 34 after the earlier change, then check it.

Write one sentence explaining why the result changed or stayed the same. If it differs from your prediction, inspect the entered values, the formula or selected range and the rule you intended to use. Change one thing at a time so the cause of the difference remains visible.

Version and locale notes

Examples use English function names and commas between arguments. Your regional settings may use semicolons, different decimal or date formats, or localised function names. Menu wording and feature availability can differ by Excel version; consult the provider documentation for your installation.

For provider documentation and related feature details, visit Microsoft Excel Support. The dataset and practice steps in this article are original examples from The Job Tests.

Continue with Excel Cell References: A Practical Guide to Copying Formulas for an earlier guide in this series.

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