Excel Tip: Sumif()
The Excel sumif() function is similar to the sum() function in that it sums values in a range, however, sumif() allows you to set up a condition, so that only those cells that meet the condition are included. Read the full text for more.
Range is the range of cells that you want evaluated by criteria.
Criteria is the criteria in the form of a number, expression, or text that defines which cells will be added. For example, criteria can be expressed as 32, "32", ">32", or "apples".
Sum_range are the actual cells to add if their corresponding cells in range match criteria. If sum_range is omitted, the cells in range are both evaluated by criteria and added if they match criteria.
In our example, we have an Excel file that shows the open invoices. A sample of the data is presented in Figure 43 below.
Figure 43
In a matter of moments, we construct the sumif function to tell us if there are any “old” invoices still open, as shown in Figure 44 below.
Figure 44
As we can see, there are $17,757.59 of invoices that are earlier than 12/31/05.
Figure 45
So, anytime you need to only include certain rows or columns in your sum range, consider using the sumif() function.