Add up the Numbers in a Column

In this video, you’ll use a function in your spreadsheet to add up the numbers you’ve written in Column B.

Functions are tools that allow you to perform mathematical calculations in a spreadsheet.

When you use a function, the spreadsheet will do a calculation, like adding, averaging, or counting.

The results will appear in a cell you’ve chosen on the spreadsheet.

The “SUM function” adds up all the numbers in a group of cells that you select.

Click on the number in cell B2, and hold your mouse or trackpad button down as you move your cursor over all the numbers in Column B.

Keep going one or two spaces after your last number.

Once you’ve selected all the numbers in Column B, the cells you’ve selected should have a light blue color over them.

From the toolbar, click on the Functions menu.

It’s all the way on the right side of the toolbar.

Each function on this menu does something different.

You will use the function that adds numbers together.

Click SUM, which is the first option on the menu.

The SUM formula will appear in the lowest selected cell.

Press Enter or Return.

All the numbers in the selected cells will be added together, and their sum will appear in that bottom cell.

Now you can see exactly how much money your celebration will cost.

See what happens when you change one of the numbers on your spreadsheet.

For example, if you decide to spend $25 on food, instead of $30.

Type in a new number or numbers, then press Enter.

The function will update your sum automatically.

Now it’s your turn: Select all the numbers in Column B, Open the functions menu, And select the SUM function.