Summing Rows and Columns

It would be useful to know the totals for the sales, food costs and profit for the six month period.

Again we can use a formula.

However, building a column or row total for long ranges of cells by indicating each cell is time consuming and error prone.

Among Excel's many functions is the SUM function which allows row and column totals to be prepared far more quickly.

Excel also gives us a number of ways to perform the SUM function.

First enter the heading TOTAL in column H.
Select the cell which will hold the sum. In this case cell H2.
Type =SUM(
This tells Excel to use the SUM command and to expect a range of cells to follow.
Move the cursor to the first cell to be summed, B2, and type a colon, :
Move to the last cell to be summed, G2 and enter the right hand bracket, )
then press Enter.
Using this method sum the DINNER sales for the six month period and place the total at the end of the row.

To sum the next row of cells, the TOTAL for sales we will use a different method of using the SUM command.

Move to the cell where the formula is to be placed, H4.
Type =SUM( , as above.
This time use the mouse to select the row of cells that you wish to sum, B4 to G4.
Now type in the right hand bracket.
Also note that the formula is displayed on the Formula Bar as it is being made.
Press Enter to finish the formula.

This method is the simplest method of summing cells.

It involves less typing and is more accurate than the above two methods.

This method uses a tool from the Tool Bar called Sigma. sigma

The Sigma symbol is used in mathematics to represent the sum of numbers so its use is appropriate here.

It appears on the Tool Bar.

Move to cell H6.
Using the mouse click on the Sigma tool from the Tool Bar.
The range of cells that Excel thinks you wish to sum appears with a selection line around them.
Assuming the cell selection is correct, press Enter.
Fill in the WAGES row using the method of your choice.
Create the formula for TOTAL-PROFIT cell based on :
TOTAL SALES - TOTAL EXPENSES