Adding numbers in Google Sheets is simple and straightforward. You can use the plus (+) sign or the SUM function to add values together.
Using the Plus (+) Sign
- Select the cell where you want the result to appear.
- Type the equals sign (=) followed by the first number.
- Add the plus sign (+) and then the second number.
- Press Enter to see the sum.
Example:
To add 5 and 10, you would type: =5+10
and press Enter. The result, 15, would appear in the selected cell.
Using the SUM Function
The SUM function adds all the numbers in a range of cells.
- Select the cell where you want the result to appear.
- Type
=SUM(
followed by the range of cells you want to add. - Close the parentheses and press Enter.
Example:
To add the numbers in cells A1 to A5, you would type: =SUM(A1:A5)
and press Enter. The sum of the values in those cells would appear in the selected cell.
Practical Insights
- You can add numbers from different cells or use a combination of numbers and cell references.
- The SUM function is particularly useful for adding long lists of numbers.
- You can use the plus sign and SUM function in formulas to perform more complex calculations.