How to Add up a Column in Google Sheets

Sanskar Tiwari

Author: Sanskar Tiwari

Founder at MagicSlides

Published

Learn how to quickly add up an entire column in Google Sheets using simple built-in functions

How to Add up a Column in Google Sheets

Adding up a column in Google Sheets is a fundamental task that helps you analyze totals in seconds.
Whether you're summing expenses, sales numbers, or scores, Google Sheets offers a quick and easy way to total a column using simple formulas. In this guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods to add up a column whether using the SUM function manually, applying AutoSum, or leveraging features like the Explore tool.
Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to work more efficiently in spreadsheets!

Step-by-Step Guide

Method 1: Using the SUM Function

Step 1: Open your Google Sheet.
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Step 2: Click on the cell where you want the total to appear.
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Step 3: Type the formula:
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(Change A2:A10 based on your data range.)
Step 4: Press Enter. You’ll see the total of the column.
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Method 2: Using AutoSum from the Toolbar

Step 1: Select the cell below the column of numbers.
Step 2: Click Insert in the top menu, then select Function > SUM.
Step 3: Google Sheets will auto-detect the range and add the total.

Method 3: Use the Explore Tool (Quick Insights)

Step 1: Highlight the entire column you want to sum.
Step 2: At the bottom-right, click the Explore icon (a star with a graph).
Step 3: You'll see the sum instantly displayed in the panel.

Conclusion

Adding up a column in Google Sheets is easy and efficient using built-in tools and functions.
Whether you’re managing finances, sales data, or attendance, these methods help save time and boost productivity.

FAQs are here to help!

Can I sum non-adjacent cells in a column?

Yes. Use =SUM(A2, A4, A6) to add specific cells.

How do I add up an entire column dynamically?

Use =SUM(A:A) to include the whole column, including future entries.

What if the column has text cells too?

SUM will ignore non-numeric cells and still total the valid numbers.

Can I use SUM with filtered data?

Yes, but to only sum visible cells, use =SUBTOTAL(109, A2:A10).

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