How to Total a Column in Excel (7 Effective Methods)

To illustrate our methods for totaling a column, we’ll use the following sample dataset.

Excel SUM Function to Total a Column


Method 1 – Using the SUM Function

1.1  – Sum Entire Column

Steps

  • Select cell D10.
  • Enter the following formula:
=SUM(D5:D9)

Excel SUM Function to Total a Column

  • Press Enter to return the result.

Excel SUM Function to Total a Column


1.2 Sum Non-Continuous Cells in a Column

Steps:

  • Select cell D10.
  • Enter the following formula:
=SUM(D5,D7)

Excel SUM Function to Total a Column

NOTE: Inside the bracket of the SUM function, enter as many cells as required, separated by commas.

  • Press Enter.

The desired result is returned.

Excel SUM Function to Total a Column


1.3 Using a Named Range

Steps:

  • Select the Range of Cells in a Column that you want to sum.

Excel SUM Function to Total a Column

  • Select the Define Name feature under the Formulas tab.

A dialog box will pop out.

  • Enter a Name, for example Cost.
  • Click OK.

  • Select cell D10.
  • Enter the following formula:
=SUM(Cost)

  • Press Enter.

The correct result is returned.

Read More: How to Sum Entire Column in Excel 


Method 2- Using AutoSum Feature

The AutoSum tool is located in the Formulas tab.

Total a Column with Excel AutoSum Feature

Steps:

  • Select cell D10.
  • Click the AutoSum tool.

Total a Column with Excel AutoSum Feature

  • Press Enter.

The expected result is returned in cell D10.


Method 3 – Using a Keyboard Shortcut

We can also use the Keyboard Shortcut keys ‘Alt’ and ‘=’ together to sum a range.

Keyboard Shortcut to Sum a Column in Excel

Steps:

  • Select cell D10.
  • Press ‘Alt’ and ‘=’ together.

Keyboard Shortcut to Sum a Column in Excel

  • Press Enter.

This will return the sum of the entire column.


Method 4 – Using Excel Table Feature

In this method, we’ll use the Table feature to get the Total of a column.

Steps:

  • Select the Range of Cells you want to work with.

Excel Table Feature to Total a Column

  • Select the Table feature under the Insert tab.

Excel Table Feature to Total a Column

A dialog box will pop out.

  • Check the ‘My table has headers’ field.
  • Click OK.

Excel Table Feature to Total a Column

A Table is created like in the image below.

  • Select any cell of the Table.
  • Go to the ‘Table Style Options’ in the Table Design tab.
  • Check the Total Row option.

The Total of the Column will appear in the cell just under the Column.

Read More: How to Sum Columns in Excel Table 


Method 5 – Sum a Column Based on a Criteria

Here, we’ll use the SUMIF function to add only the values that are greater than 1000.

Steps:

  • Select cell D10.
  • Enter the following formula:
=SUMIF(D5:D10,“>1000”)

Sum a Column Based on a Criteria

  • Press Enter.

The sum of the values that are greater than 1000 is returned.


Method 6 – Using the SUBTOTAL Function

In this method, we’ll use the SUBTOTAL function to find the Total of a Column.

Steps:

  • Select cell D10.
  • Enter the following formula:
=SUBTOTAL(

You’ll see a bunch of functions in a list.

Excel SUBTOTAL Function to Total a Column

  • Enter the rest of the formula:
=SUBTOTAL(9,D5:D9)

  • Press Enter.

The Total of the Column is returned.

Read More: How to Sum Columns in Excel When Filtered 


Method 7 – Using the Excel Status Bar

Our last method is the quickest and easiest, and is convenient for viewing the Total, taking only the numbers from an entire column or selected range into consideration.

Steps

  • Select the Entire Column or the Range of Cells you want to add up.

Total of a Column in Excel Status Bar

  • After selecting, just look at the Excel Status Bar at the bottom right corner of your Excel Worksheet.

The status bar will show the Sum of your selected column or range of cells.

Read More: How to Sum Every Nth Column in Excel 


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Aung Shine
Aung Shine

Aung Shine completed his bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. It has been almost 2 years since he joined SOFTEKO and actively working on the ExcelDemy project. Currently he works as a Team Leader where he guides his team members to create technical content. He has published 150+ articles and reviewed 50+ articles. He has also solved various user problems before. He has interests in Data Analysis, Power Query, Advanced Excel,... Read Full Bio

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