How to Total a Column in Google Sheets

Sanskar Tiwari

Author: Sanskar Tiwari

Founder at MagicSlides

Published

Easily calculate the total of any column in Google Sheets using the SUM function or built-in tools

Need to calculate the total of a list of numbers in a Google Sheet? Whether you're summing sales figures, expenses, or student scores, totaling a column in Google Sheets is quick and easy.
With built-in functions like SUM, you can get accurate results in seconds. This tutorial will walk you through different methods to total a column, helping you stay organized and efficient with your spreadsheet calculations.

How to Total a Column in Google Sheets | Step-by-Step Guide

Method 1: Use the SUM Function

Step 1: Open your Google Sheet and click on the cell where you want the total to appear.
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Step 2: Type the formula:
Replace A2:A10 with the actual range of your column.
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Step 3: Press Enter. You’ll see the total displayed instantly in the cell.
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Method 2: Use AutoSum Shortcut

Step 1: Select the cell directly below the last number in the column you want to total.
Step 2: Click Insert on the top menu, then choose Function > SUM.
Step 3: Google Sheets will automatically select the range above. Press Enter to confirm.

Conclusion

Summing a column in Google Sheets is simple and highly effective, whether using the SUM formula or the built-in function options.
It helps you stay on top of your data and make quick calculations with ease. Once you learn these methods, you'll be able to total columns accurately in any spreadsheet scenario.

FAQs can take you forward!

What if there are empty cells in the column?

No problem — SUM automatically ignores empty cells.

Can I total non-continuous cells?

Yes, use commas to separate ranges: =SUM(A2:A5, A7:A10).

How do I sum an entire column?

Use =SUM(A:A) to total the entire A column.

Will text values cause an error?

Text values are ignored by the SUM function and won’t affect your result.

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