3 ways to calculate totals in Excel

When working with data tables in Excel, the operation of calculating certain data areas is basic and simple operation on Excel. Usually when you want to calculate the total data area given, users will think of using the familiar SUM function.

However, this is just one of three ways to calculate totals on Excel. We also use the SUM function to use the AutoSum function or immediately rely on the results in the status bar on Excel. Each of these calculations will match the different types of data tables and data content that you have to deal with. The following article of Network Administrator will summarize you reading 3 ways to calculate totals in Excel.

Method 1: Calculate the total Excel based on the status bar

This is the fastest way to calculate the total data on Excel. In the data area you want to calculate, highlight or click the characters to select the cells you want to sum. Then look down at the Status bar at the bottom to see the total number of cells.

However, this way can only see the results but not the results.

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Method 2: Calculate total Excel by AutoSum feature

If the user wants to calculate the sum of a column in Excel and keep the result in the table, then the AutoSum function can be used. This function will automatically add the data and display the total in the cell that the user has chosen to enter the result.

Step 1:

In the data table click on the empty box below the column that you want to enter the sum of results. Then, look up the Home tab and click on the AutoSum function .

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Step 2:

You will immediately see the SUM function appear in the cell you want to enter the result in and select the selected column of data.

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Finally just press Enter to give the result.

This function will apply in case you only want to sum a column of data in the table only. For large data areas, we cannot apply this method.

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Method 3: Calculate totals on Excel with SUM

The Excel function in Excel is a familiar function in Excel functions. The function will sum the cells in a column or even a large range in the data table. The SUM function has a formula of = SUM (number 1, number 2, .) with arguments to calculate the sum.

Read more about how to use SUM on Excel in How to use SUM in Excel.

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This SUM function will help calculate with a wider range of data, possibly with different cells, not in a data column like the two above. In addition, there are many data tables that require complex calculations such as conditional calculation, or search for data to return results. So you must use the SUM function and can combine other functions in Excel.

Above are 3 ways to calculate the total on Excel with 2 ways to calculate the total with a simple data column that is based on the below status bar and AutoSum function. As for the SUM function, it will be used to calculate data tables with multiple areas to calculate, more data columns or complex tables that need to incorporate other functions.

I wish you all success!