Math/Trig: SUMIF
Introduction
The SUMIF function allows a user to check the sum of cells based on a criterion of a single cell. The SUMIF function determines the sum of cells that meet a single criteria. These criteria can be numbers, dates, or text, and support the logical operators (<,>,<>, =). If you would like to determine the sum of cells that meet more than one criteria, please reference the SUMIFS lesson.
Functions
Syntax:
=SUMIF (range, criteria, sum_range)
Simplified syntax:
=SUMIF (the set of cells that are to be searched (and possibly summated), “the number/date/text that the range will be searched for”, the set of cells that will be summated)
Range and criteria are required but sum_range is optional (if this absent, the initial “range” will be added instead)
The SUMIF function adds only specific numbers (cells that meet the criteria you specify) rather than adding all listed values. Criteria can refer to the value itself (numbers less than 100) or to a cell that refers to the value (sum of values in the “House Points” category). The SUMIF function can be used to build formulas that respond to changes in your worksheet (if a cell is edited it may no longer be included in the sum).
Uses
The SUMIF function adds only specific numbers (cells that meet the criteria you specify) rather than adding all listed values. Criteria can refer to the value itself (numbers less than 100) or to a cell that refers to the value (sum of values in the “House Points” category). The SUMIF function can be used to build formulas that respond to changes in your worksheet (if a cell is edited it may no longer be included in the sum).
Example – Reference sheet with 3 columns: date, name, number
Practice
Practice using the SUMIF function by answering the questions below in the highlighted cell.
- What is the total population for countries with nitrous oxide emissions greater than 500,000?
Answer:
3581160345
- What is the total population for countries beginning with an A?
Answer:
204620320
Conclusion
If you’d like to add up the cells in a data set that meet a certain criteria, such as equaling 3, the SUMIF function is a fast and easy way to do so.
