How to Sum a Column in Google Sheets

Type =SUM(A2:A) to add up every number in column A from row 2 down — new rows are included automatically as you add them.

=SUM(A2:A)

Adds every number from A2 to the bottom of the sheet. Starting at A2 skips a text header in A1.

How it works

SUM totals all numeric values in the range and ignores text and blanks, so an open-ended range like A2:A is safe — it keeps working as the column grows. If you only want to add numbers that meet a condition (one region, one month), reach for SUMIF instead. To total only the rows left after a filter, SUBTOTAL is the right tool because it ignores hidden rows.

Variations

Sum only rows that match a condition

=SUMIF(B2:B,"West",A2:A)

Adds column A only where column B equals West.

Sum the visible rows after filtering

=SUBTOTAL(109,A2:A)

109 = SUM ignoring hidden/filtered rows.

Sum several columns at once

=SUM(A2:C)

Totals every number in the A–C block.

Examples

Scenario	Formula
Total of an expenses column	`=SUM(C2:C)`
Total sales for the West region only	`=SUMIF(A2:A,"West",C2:C)`

FAQ

How do I sum a column without the header?

Start the range at row 2: =SUM(A2:A). SUM would ignore a text header anyway, but this keeps the range tidy.

Why does my SUM show 0?

The cells are likely text, not numbers (often from an import). Select the range, then Format → Number, or wrap values with VALUE().

How do I sum only filtered rows?

Use =SUBTOTAL(109,A2:A). Normal SUM includes rows hidden by a filter; SUBTOTAL with 109 skips them.

Related formulas

→ See all 34 Google Sheets formulas in one cheat sheet