Free SUM Formula Generator (2026) — Add Numbers Instantly
Adds all the numbers in a range of cells.
Common Errors & Fixes
SUM returns 0 when there are numbers in the range
Causes:- Numbers are stored as text (green triangle in corner of cell).
- Cells contain formulas returning text that looks like numbers.
- There are hidden spaces or non-printable characters.
Fixes:- Use VALUE() to convert text to numbers, or multiply by 1: =SUM(VALUE(A1:A10)) as array.
- Use TRIM(CLEAN()) to remove hidden characters before summing.
- Use the "Convert to Number" option from the error alert dropdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SUM and SUMIF?
SUM adds all numbers in a range. SUMIF adds only the cells that meet a specific condition, like summing values greater than 100.
How do I sum across multiple sheets?
Use a 3D reference: =SUM(Sheet1:Sheet3!A1). This adds cell A1 from Sheet1, Sheet2, and Sheet3.
Does SUM work in Google Sheets?
Yes, SUM works identically in Google Sheets. Google Sheets also supports SUM across multiple sheets with the same 3D reference syntax.
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