What Is the SUMIFS Function in Excel

If you are looking to quickly summarize, filter, and add up data in Microsoft Excel, then the SUMIFS function is a tool worth familiarizing yourself with. SUMIFS is a powerful function that allows you to add up data based on multiple criteria. This function is particularly useful when you need to perform calculations on specific sets of data that meet certain conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the basic concept of the SUMIFS function, how to use it effectively, and provide examples of using this function in real-life scenarios.

What is the SUMIFS Function in Excel?

The SUMIFS function in Excel is a useful tool that allows you to calculate the sum of values in a range that meet multiple criteria. This function is an advanced version of the SUMIF function, which allows you to calculate the sum of values in a range that meet a single criterion.

Syntax of the SUMIFS Function

The syntax of the SUMIFS function in Excel is:

SUMIFS(sum_range, criteria_range1, criteria1, [criteria_range2, criteria2], ...)

Where:

• sum_range: The range of cells that you want to sum up.
• criteria_range1: The first range of cells that you want to use as criteria.
• criteria1: The first criterion.
• criteria_range2: The second range of cells that you want to use as criteria.
• criteria2: The second criterion.

How to Use the SUMIFS Function in Excel

Here are the steps to use the SUMIFS function in Excel:

1. Select the cell where you want to display the result.
2. Enter the formula =SUMIFS(
3. Select the sum_range, which is the range of cells you want to sum up.
4. Enter a comma.
5. Select the criteria_range1, which is the range of cells you want to use as criteria.
6. Enter a comma.
7. Enter the criteria1, which is the first criterion.
8. Enter a comma.
9. Select the criteria_range2 (if applicable).
10. Enter a comma.
11. Enter the criteria2 (if applicable).
12. Close the parentheses.
13. Press Enter to display the result.

Examples of Using the SUMIFS Function in Excel

Let’s look at some examples of using the SUMIFS function in Excel.

Example 1: Summing Values that Meet a Single Criterion

Suppose you have a table that lists the sales data for a company, and you want to calculate the total sales for a particular month. You can use the SUMIFS function to sum up the sales values that match the criteria of the month you are interested in.

=SUMIFS(B2:B13, A2:A13, "=Jan")

This formula will sum up the sales values in the range B2:B13 that correspond to the month of Jan in the range A2:A13.

Example 2: Summing Values that Meet Multiple Criteria

Suppose you have a table that lists the sales data for a company, and you want to calculate the total sales for a particular product in a particular month. You can use the SUMIFS function to sum up the sales values that match the criteria of the product and month you are interested in.

=SUMIFS(B2:B13, A2:A13, "=Jan", C2:C13, "Product A")

This formula will sum up the sales values in the range B2:B13 that correspond to the month of Jan in the range A2:A13 and the product of Product A in the range C2:C13.

Example 3: Summing Values Across Multiple Worksheets

Suppose you have multiple worksheets that contain sales data for different months, and you want to calculate the total sales for all the months. You can use the SUMIFS function to sum up the sales values across all the worksheets.

=SUMIFS(Jan!B2:B13, Jan!A2:A13, ">0") + SUMIFS(Feb!B2:B13, Feb!A2:A13, ">0") + SUMIFS(Mar!B2:B13, Mar!A2:A13, ">0")

This formula will sum up the sales values in the range B2:B13 on the Jan, Feb, and Mar worksheets that are greater than zero in the range A2:A13 on each worksheet.

Benefits of Using the SUMIFS Function in Excel

The SUMIFS function in Excel is a powerful tool that provides numerous benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using this function:

• Flexible: The SUMIFS function enables you to add up data based on multiple criteria, allowing you to perform more complex calculations.
• Efficient: The function reduces the need to filter data manually, allowing you to save time and effort.
• Accurate: As you can set multiple criteria to refine the data selection process, you are likely to achieve more precise results.
• User-friendly: The syntax of the function is simple and easy to understand, making it accessible to beginners and pros alike.

Tips for Using the SUMIFS Function in Excel

Here are some tips to help you use the SUMIFS function in Excel more effectively:

• Ensure your criteria range and sum range are the same size. The SUMIFS function needs to compare values in the same position in both ranges.
• Use wildcard characters to include more flexible criteria in your function. The asterisk (*) and question mark (?) can be used to represent any number of characters or a single character, respectively.
• Take advantage of the function’s ability to use logical operators (AND, OR) to build complex criteria conditions.
• Remember that the order of the arguments matter when using the SUMIFS function in Excel. Ensure that you enter them in the correct sequence to avoid errors.

The SUMIFS function in Excel is an essential tool for anyone looking to calculate and sum up data based on multiple criteria. Whether you are a beginner or pro, understanding how to use this function will enable you to achieve more accurate, efficient, and complex calculations. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can further enhance your use of the SUMIFS function and become an Excel expert.

FAQs About the SUMIFS Function in Excel

Here are the top frequently asked questions about the SUMIFS function in Excel. You might find the answer to your query here.

How does the SUMIFS function differ from the SUMIF function in Excel?

The SUMIFS function enables you to sum up data based on multiple criteria, while the SUMIF function allows you to sum up data based on a single criterion. Put simply, the SUMIF function performs more straightforward calculations, while the SUMIFS function is more advanced and offers more flexibility.

What happens if some of the criteria in the SUMIFS function are incorrect?

If any of the criteria included in the SUMIFS function are incorrect, the function will not return an error message. Instead, it will return a value of zero or an inaccurate result based on the incorrect criteria. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that your criteria are correct when using the SUMIFS function in Excel.

Can the SUMIFS function handle non-numeric data?

Yes, the SUMIFS function in Excel can sum both numeric and non-numeric data, such as text values and dates. However, ensure that you enter the correct criteria in the right format when using non-numeric data. For instance, if you want to use a date in your function, ensure that you enter the date in a recognized date format.

What’s the maximum number of criteria that I can include in the SUMIFS function?

The SUMIFS function in Excel allows you to use up to 127 pairs of criteria ranges and criteria. Therefore, you can include as many criteria as you need when calculating your data.

Is the SUMIFS function available in earlier versions of Excel?

The SUMIFS function is available in Excel 2007 and later versions. If you are using an earlier version of Excel, you can use the SUMIF function as an alternative. However, note that the SUMIF function has limitations, such as allowing only one criterion.