Column and row in excel formula

You’ll typically find the ROW(S) or COLUMN(S) functions nested inside other functions because they make formulas more efficient to write. However, many users get caught out by these functions because you don’t edit the cell references in the same way you might with other formulas.

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You’ve probably seen a formula like this before:

=VLOOKUP($B16,$B$4:$D$13,COLUMNS($B4:C4),0)

Or this:

=INDEX($C$3:$H$8,ROWS($A$3:A4),COLUMNS($A$1:B1))

And you may have even emailed me to ask “what is the ROWS/COLUMNS function doing in this formula”. The short answer is it’s returning a number, or in multi-cell array formulas, a series of consecutive numbers.

Why do you use them? Because it’s an efficient way to write formulas that require copying down columns, across rows, or both.

Just take the VLOOKUP formula above; the COLUMNS function is returning the col_index_num argument. Remember the syntax for VLOOKUP is:

=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

Here’s the formula again:

=VLOOKUP($B16,$B$4:$D$13,COLUMNS($B4:C4),0)

COLUMNS evaluates to 2 because it returns the number of columns in a range:

=VLOOKUP($B16,$B$4:$D$13,2,0)

And when you copy that formula across to the next column it becomes:

=VLOOKUP($B16,$B$4:$D$13,COLUMNS($B4:D4),0)

Which evaluates to:

=VLOOKUP($B16,$B$4:$D$13,3,0)

So, you can see that using COLUMNS in the col_index_num argument of your VLOOKUP formula enables you to copy and paste it across the row and it will automatically increase the next col_index_num by 1, without so much as an F2 to edit the formula.

Now we have a rough idea of how these functions work and why you’d use them, let’s understand the four functions you can use.

ROW, ROWS, COLUMN and COLUMNS

ROWS Function

The ROWS function returns the number of rows in a range:

=ROWS(A3:A6) returns 4 because there are 4 rows in the range A3:A6.

Note; the column reference is actually irrelevant, which means you could also write this formula as ROWS(3:6) or more likely, ROWS($3:6). That way row 3 is absolute (anchored), and when you copy the formula to consecutive rows the formula will become ROWS($3:7) and so on.

ROW Function

The ROW function returns the row number of a reference:

=ROW(A3) returns 3 i.e. A3 is on row 3.

Note: you can’t write this as ROW(3) but you can write ROW(3:3). And ROW() will return the number of its own row.

COLUMNS Function

The COLUMNS function returns the number of columns in a range:

=COLUMNS(B2:D2) returns 3 because there are 3 columns in the range B2:D2.

Similar to ROWS the row number for the COLUMNS function is irrelevant, which means you could also write this formula as COLUMNS(B:D) or COLUMNS($B:D).

COLUMN Function

The COLUMN function returns the column number of a reference:

=COLUMN(C2) returns 3 because column C is the third column.

Note: you can’t write COLUMN(C) but you can write COLUMN(C:C). And COLUMN() will return the number of its own column.

The key with getting the desired results from these functions is the correct use of Absolute Cell Referencing.

Use Excel ROWS and COLUMNS Functions in Array Formulas

Typically people get caught out when editing array formulas which contain one of these functions.

Let’s take this example below where the formula in column C is a multi-cell array formula that is returning the 3 smallest values from cells A1:A6:

The SMALL formula evaluates like so:

=SMALL(A1:A6,ROW(A1:A3))

=SMALL({12;31;25;46;28;50},{1;2;3})

In this case ROW is returning a series of sequential numbers from 1 to 3 and as a result cell C2 returns the smallest value, cell C3 returns the second smallest and cell C4 returns the third smallest.

Problems arise when people try to edit formulas like this that they’ve copied them from somewhere, maybe another workbook, or somewhere they’ve found in a Google search.

Excel experience tells us to adjust range references to suit our data, so let’s say your data is in cells B2:B7 like so:

You might be tempted to copy the formula above and edit it to suit your data like this:

=SMALL(B2:B7,ROW(B2:B4))

After all, if you’re changing A1:A6 to B2:B7 for SMALL shouldn’t you also change A1:A3 to B2:B4 for ROW? NO. If you do you’ll end up with this:

=SMALL({12;31;25;46;28;50},{2;3;4})

Which would be correct for the values in cells B2:B7 but not for the ROW function reference, which as you can see above now incorrectly returns 2, 3, 4.

The correct formula is:

=SMALL(B2:B7,ROW(B1:B3))

=SMALL({12;31;25;46;28;50},{1;2;3})

Because we want the 3 smallest values, not the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th smallest.

So, now you know why ROW, ROWS, COLUMN and COLUMN are typically used you’ll be able to use them in your own formulas and not get caught out editing formulas that already use these clever functions.

Caution

Pay particular attention to how these functions adjust when rows or columns are inserted above (or to the left for COLUMN/COLUMNS), or in between cells containing these formulas as it can yield unexpected results (read; formula errors).

Absolute referencing is your ally but the approach differs depending on whether you’re using these functions in an array formula or a regular formula.

Here are some tips; the formulas below will adjust as a result of rows/columns being inserted above/to the left but they will still return the same results:

Regular Formulas

=ROWS($A$1:A1) or =ROWS($1:1)

=COLUMNS($A$1:A1) or =COLUMNS($A:A)

Copy and paste (or fill) the above formulas to extend the range.

Array Formulas

=ROW(A1:A10)-ROW(A1)+1

=COLUMN(A1:J1)-COLUMN(A1)+1

The above formulas will return the numbers 1 to 10. Adjust the range referenced to suit your needs.

Examples of Formulas that use ROW(S) or COLUMN(S) Functions

VLOOKUP with dynamic column index

Summarise monthly data into quarters

Lookup and return multiple matches

List missing numbers in a sequence

Find a column containing a specific value

Remove blank cells from a range

In this article, we are going to see the details about Excel ROW, ROWS, COLUMN, COLUMNS functions, and their usages.

ROW Function 

The ROW( ) function basically returns the row number for a reference. 

Syntax:

=ROW([reference])

Example :

=ROW(G100); Returns 100 as output 
as G100 is in the 100th row in the Excel sheet

If we write no argument inside the ROW( ) it will return the row number of the cell in which we have written the formula.

Here the following returns are achieved:

=ROW(A67) // Returns 67
=ROW(B4:H7) // Returns 4

ROWS Function 

It is the extended version of the ROW function. ROWS function is used to return the number of rows in a cell range. 

Syntax:

=ROWS([array])

Example :

=ROWS(A2:A11) // Returns 10 as there are ten rows

It is important to note that writing the column name is trivial here. We can also write :

=ROWS(2:13) // Returns 12

COLUMN Function

The column function usually returns the column number of a reference. There are 16,384 columns in Excel from the 2007 version. It returns the value 1 to 16,384.

Syntax:

=COLUMN([reference])

Example :

=COLUMN(E20) // Returns 5 as output
as E is the fifth column in the Excel sheet

Similar to the ROW function, the argument is not mandatory. If we don’t write any argument, it will return the index of the column in which the formula is written.

COLUMNS Function

It is the extended version of the COLUMN( ). It returns the number of columns for a given cell range.

Syntax:

=COLUMNS([array])

Example :

=COLUMNS(B12:E12) // Returns 4 as output as
there are 4 columns in the given range

It is important to note that writing the row number is trivial here. We can also write :

=COLUMNS(B:E) // Returns 4

ROWS And COLUMNS Functions in Array Formulas

We can use the ROWS( ) and COLUMNS( ) in array formulas using SMALL( ), LARGE( ), VLOOKUP( ) functions in Excel.

Example :

The smallest value is returned to the provided cell range.

The largest value is returned to the provided cell range.

Say, we need to find the number of days needed to complete Task number 5. 

The steps are :

Step 1: Choose any cell and write the name of the Task.

Step 2:  Beside that cell write the “Formula” as shown below to get the “Number of Days” need :

=VLOOKUP($F$3,$A$3:$B$13,COLUMNS($A$3:$B$13),0)

F3 : Reference of the Task T-5

A3:B13 : Cell range of the entire table for VLOOKUP to search

Step 3: Click Enter.

Now, it can be observed it returns 20 as output which is perfect as per the data set.

Функция ROW в Excel возвращает номер строки ссылки. Функция COLUMN возвращает номер столбца. Примеры в этом уроке показывают, как использовать эти функции ROW и COLUMN.

Примечание . Инструкции в этой статье относятся к Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010, Excel 2019 для Mac, Excel 2016 для Mac, Excel для Mac 2011 и Excel Online.

Использование функции ROW и COLUMN

Функция ROW используется для:

• Вернуть номер для строки данной ссылки на ячейку.
• Вернуть номер строки для ячейки, в которой находится функция на листе.
• Возвращает ряд чисел, идентифицирующих номера всех строк, где находится функция, при использовании в формуле массива.

Функция COLUMN используется для:

• Вернуть номер столбца для ячейки, в которой находится функция на листе.
• Вернуть номер для столбца данной ссылки на ячейку.

На листе Excel строки пронумерованы сверху вниз, причем строка 1 является первой строкой. Столбцы нумеруются слева направо, причем столбец A является первым столбцом.

Следовательно, функция ROW возвращает номер 1 для первой строки и 1 048 576 для последней строки листа.

Синтаксис и аргументы функций ROW и COLUMN

Синтаксис функции относится к макету функции и включает в себя имя функции, скобки и аргументы.

Синтаксис для функции ROW:

 = СТРОКА (ссылка) 

Синтаксис для функции COLUMN:

 = COLUMN (ссылка) 

Ссылка (необязательно). Ячейка или диапазон ячеек, для которых требуется вернуть номер строки или букву столбца.

Если ссылочный аргумент опущен, происходит следующее:

• Функция ROW возвращает номер строки ссылки на ячейку, в которой находится функция (см. Строку 2 в приведенных выше примерах).
• Функция COLUMN возвращает номер столбца ссылки на ячейку, в которой находится функция (см. Строку 3 в приведенных выше примерах).

Если для аргумента Reference введен диапазон ссылок на ячейки, функция возвращает номер строки или столбца первой ячейки в предоставленном диапазоне (см. Строки 6 и 7 в приведенных выше примерах).

Пример 1 – опустить ссылочный аргумент с помощью функции ROW

В первом примере (см. Строку 2 в приведенных выше примерах) пропускается аргумент Reference и возвращается номер строки в зависимости от расположения функции на листе.

Как и в большинстве функций Excel, функция может быть введена непосредственно в активную ячейку или введена с помощью диалогового окна функции.

Выполните следующие шаги, чтобы ввести функцию в активную ячейку:

1. Выберите ячейку B2 , чтобы сделать ее активной.
2. Введите формулу = ROW () в ячейку.
3. Нажмите клавишу Enter на клавиатуре, чтобы завершить функцию.

Число 2 появляется в ячейке B2, так как функция находится во втором ряду рабочего листа.

Когда вы выбираете ячейку B2, полная функция = ROW () появляется на панели формул над рабочим листом.

Пример 2 – Использование ссылочного аргумента с функцией COLUMN

Во втором примере (см. Строку 3 в приведенных выше примерах) возвращается буква столбца ссылки на ячейку (F4), введенной в качестве аргумента ссылки для функции.

1. Выберите ячейку B5 , чтобы сделать ее активной.
2. Выберите вкладку Формулы .
3. Выберите Поиск и справка , чтобы открыть раскрывающийся список функций.
4. Выберите СТОЛБЦ в списке, чтобы открыть диалоговое окно «Аргументы функций».
5. В диалоговом окне поместите курсор в строку Ссылка .
6. Выберите ячейку F4 на листе, чтобы ввести ссылку на ячейку в диалоговом окне.
7. Выберите ОК , чтобы завершить функцию и вернуться к рабочему листу.

Число 6 появляется в ячейке B5, поскольку ячейка F4 расположена в шестом столбце (столбец F) рабочего листа.

При выборе ячейки B5 полная функция = COLUMN (F4) появляется на панели формул над рабочим листом.

Поскольку в Excel Online нет вкладки «Формулы» на ленте, вы можете использовать следующий метод, который работает во всех версиях Excel.

1. Выберите ячейку B5 , чтобы сделать ее активной.
2. Нажмите кнопку Вставить функцию рядом с панелью формул.
3. Выберите Поиск и справка в списке категорий.
4. Выберите Столбец в списке и выберите ОК .
5. Выберите ячейку F4 на листе, чтобы ввести ссылку на ячейку.
6. Нажмите клавишу Ввод .

Число 6 появляется в ячейке B5, поскольку ячейка F4 расположена в шестом столбце (столбец F) рабочего листа.

При выборе ячейки B5 полная функция = COLUMN (F4) появляется на панели формул над рабочим листом.

Summary

When you use the Microsoft Excel products listed at the bottom of this article, you can use a worksheet formula to covert data that spans multiple rows and columns to a database format (columnar). 

More Information

The following example converts every four rows of data in a column to four columns of data in a single row (similar to a database field and record layout). This is a similar scenario as that which you experience when you open a worksheet or text file that contains data in a mailing label format.

Example

1. In a new worksheet, type the following data:

   A1: Smith, John
   A2: 111 Pine St.
   A3: San Diego, CA
   A4: (555) 128-549
   A5: Jones, Sue
   A6: 222 Oak Ln.
   A7: New York, NY
   A8: (555) 238-1845
   A9: Anderson, Tom
   A10: 333 Cherry Ave.
   A11: Chicago, IL
   A12: (555) 581-4914

2. Type the following formula in cell C1:

   =OFFSET($A$1,(ROW()-1)*4+INT((COLUMN()-3)),MOD(COLUMN()-3,1))

3. Fill this formula across to column F, and then down to row 3.

4. Adjust the column sizes as necessary. Note that the data is now displayed in cells C1 through F3 as follows:

   Smith, John	111 Pine St.	San Diego, CA	(555) 128-549
   Jones, Sue	222 Oak Ln.	New York, NY	(555) 238-1845
   Anderson, Tom	333 Cherry Ave.	Chicago, IL	(555) 581-4914

The formula can be interpreted as

OFFSET($A$1,(ROW()-f_row)*rows_in_set+INT((COLUMN()-f_col)/col_in_set), MOD(COLUMN()-f_col,col_in_set))

where:

• f_row = row number of this offset formula

• f_col = column number of this offset formula

• rows_in_set = number of rows that make one record of data

• col_in_set = number of columns of data

Sorting the data in Excel is a tool for presenting information in a user-friendly form. Numerical values can be sorted in ascending and descending order, text values can be sorted alphabetically and in reverse order. Available options are the sorting by color and font, in random order, according to several conditions. Columns and rows are sorted.



Sorting order in Excel

There are two ways to open the sort menu:

1. Right-click on the table. Select «Sort» and method «Largest to Smallest».



2. Open the «DATA» tab — «Sort» dialog box.

Frequently used sorting methods are represented by a single button on the «HOME» tab «Editing» section.

Sorting the table by a separate column:

1. For the program to perform the task correctly, select the required column in the data range.



2. Then we act in accordance with the task. If you want to perform simple sorting in ascending / descending order (alphabet or vice versa), just click the corresponding button on the taskbar. When the range contains more than one column, Excel opens a dialog box like:
   
   To maintain the correspondence of the values in the lines, we select the action «Expand the selection». Otherwise, only the selected column is sorted — the structure of the table is broken.

If you select the entire table and sort it, the first column is sorted. Data in the rows will be in accordance with the position of the values in the first column.



Sorting by the cell color and font

Excel provides rich formatting capabilities to the user. Therefore, it is possible to operate in different formats.

We will make the column «Total» and «fill» the cells with values in different shades in the training table. Perform the color sorting:

1. Select the column — the right mouse button — «Sort».



2. From the proposed list, select «Put Selected Cell Color On Top».



3. We agree to «Expand the selection». Result:

The program sorted cells by accents. The user can choose the order of the color sorting. For this purpose, in the list of tool options, select «Custom Sort».

In the window that opens, enter the required parameters:

Here you can choose the order of the representation the cells of different colors.

By the same principle, the font data is sorted.

Sorting by multiple columns in Excel

How to set the order of secondary sorting in Excel? To solve this problem, you need to set several sorting conditions.

1. Open the menu «Custom Sort». Assign the first criterion.



2. Click the button «Add Level».



3. There are windows for entering data for the next sorting condition. We fill them.

The program allows you to add several criteria at once to perform the sorting in a special order.

Sorting the rows in Excel

By default, the data is sorted by columns. How to sort by rows in Excel:

1. In the «Custom Sort» dialog box, click the «Options» button.



2. In the menu that opens, select «Range Columns».



3. Click OK. In the «Sort» window, fields for filling in the conditions for the rows appear.

Thus, the table is sorted into Excel by several parameters.

Random sorting in Excel

The built-in sorting options do not allow you to arrange data in a column randomly. This task will be handled by the function =RAND().

For example, you need to arrange a set of certain numbers in a random order.

We put the cursor in the next cell (left-right, not important). In the formula row, enter =RAND(). Press Enter. We copy the formula to the whole column — we get a set of random numbers.

Now sort the resulting column in ascending / descending order — the values in the original range will automatically be placed in random order.

Dynamic table sorting in Excel

If you apply standard sorting to the table, then when you change the data, it will not be relevant. You need to make sure that the values are sorted automatically. We use formulas.

1. There is a set of primes that need to be sorted in ascending order.



2. Put the cursor in the next cell and enter the formula: =SMALL(A:A,ROW(A1)). Exactly, as a range we specify the whole column. And as a coefficient there is the function of SMALL() ROW() with reference to the first cell.



3. Lets change the number in the initial range to 7 to 25 — «sorting» ascending will also change.

If it is necessary to make the dynamic sorting in descending order, use the =LARGE() function.

To sort the text values dynamically, you need the array formulas.

1. Initial data is a list of some names in any order. In our example it is a list of fruits.



2. Select the column and give it the name «fruits». To do this, in the field of names that is near the formula line, enter the name we need to assign it to the selected range of cells.



3. In the next cell (in the example — in B1), we write the formula:

   Since we have an array formula before us, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. We multiply the formula by the whole column.



4. If lines are added to the original column, then we introduce a slightly modified formula:

Add the «pomelo» value to the «fruit» name range and check:

Download sorting data in excel using formulas

Subsequently, when you add data to the table, the sorting process will be performed automatically.

We can use array formulas to get the average of each column and row in Excel 365.

No need to depend on AVERAGE() based non-array formulas, which require drag-down/right.

Then what are the alternative solutions?

We can use the two other alternatives to calculate the average in Excel 365. They are SUBTOTAL and AGGREGATE.

We can use the former function for our purpose.

You May Like: Differences Between SUBTOTAL and AGGREGATE Functions in Excel.

You may use the following syntaxes of the dynamic array formulas to get the average of each column and row in Excel 365.

Syntax # 1: Average of Each Column:

=SUBTOTAL(1,OFFSET(columns))

Syntax # 2: Average of Each Row:

=SUBTOTAL(1,OFFSET(rows))

In addition to the SUBTOTAL, we will use the OFFSET function. It will dynamically offset rows/columns.

Sample Data to Average Each Column and Row in Excel 365

I have recorded the sales of three items from July to December, i.e., the last six months in a year.

The goal is to get the average of the sales made:

1. For each item over the last six months (average by the column).

2. For each month across all items (average by the row).

Usually, we may enter the following non-array formula in cell F3 and drag-down to average each row in Excel.

=AVERAGE(B3:D3)

To average each column in Excel, we may use the following formula in cell B10 and darg-right.

Let’s see how to materialize this in Excel 365 with array formulas.

Steps

Please follow the below steps.

Array Formula to Average Each Column in Excel 365

1. Empty B10:D10 for the formula to spill the result.

2. Insert the below SUBTOTAL formula in cell B10, which will return the average of “Item 1” for the last six months.

=SUBTOTAL(1,B3:B8)

3. We should make it expand to its right. For that, we can follow syntax # 1 above (please scroll up to see the syntax).

As per that syntax, you may replace B3:B8 with OFFSET(columns)which is equal to;

OFFSET(B3,,SEQUENCE(1,COLUMNS(B3:D3),0),ROWS(A3:A8))

4. Based on it, here is the code to average each column in Excel 365.

=SUBTOTAL(1,OFFSET(B3,,SEQUENCE(1,COLUMNS(B3:D3),0),ROWS(A3:A8)))

Anatomy of the OFFSET(columns)

It’s equal to OFFSET(offset_starting_from,,number_of_columns_to_offset,height)

offset_starting_from = B3

number_of_columns_to_offset = SEQUENCE(1,COLUMNS(B3:D3),0)– It is equal to =SEQUENCE(1,3,0) which returns the sequence {0, 1, 2} (horizontally).

It’s the key!

The SEQUENCE helps the OFFSET to dynamically offset columns, i.e., 0 – first column, 1 – the second column, and 2 – the third column.

height = ROWS(A3:A8)– It’s the height of the range that is six rows.

Related: Reverse Sequence in Excel 365 – Formula and Examples.

Array Formula to Average Each Row in Excel 365

1. Empty F3:F8 for the formula to spill the result.

2. Insert the below SUBTOTAL formula in cell F3, which will return the average of all the items for July.

=SUBTOTAL(1,B3:D3)

3. We should make it expand down. For that, we can follow syntax # 2 above (please scroll up to see the syntax).

As per that syntax, you may replace B3:D3 with OFFSET(rows), which is equal to;

OFFSET(B3,SEQUENCE(ROWS(A3:A8),1,0),,,COLUMNS(B2:D2))

4. Based on it, here is the code to average each row in Excel 365.

=SUBTOTAL(1,OFFSET(B3,SEQUENCE(ROWS(A3:A8),1,0),,,COLUMNS(B2:D2)))

Anatomy of the OFFSET(rows)

It’s equal to OFFSET(offset_starting_from,,number_of_rows_to_offset,width)

offset_starting_from = B3

number_of_rows_to_offset = SEQUENCE(ROWS(A3:A8),1,0)– It is equal to =SEQUENCE(6,1,0) which returns the sequence {0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5} (vertically).

It’s the key formula here!

The SEQUENCE helps the OFFSET to dynamically offset rows, i.e., 0 – the first row, 1 – the second row, 3 – the third row, and so on.

width = COLUMNS(B2:D2)– It’s the width of the range that is three columns.

Resources

• Find the Largest Value in Each Row or Column in Excel 365.
• Find the Smallest Value in Each Row or Column in Excel 365.
• Spill Formulas to Sum Each Row in Excel 365.
• How to Retrieve the Last Record in Each Group in Excel 365.
• XLOOKUP Nth Occurrence in Excel (First, Last, and Nth).
• How to Use Wildcards in Filter Function in Excel (Alternatives).
• Gantt Chart Formula in Excel 365 (Conditional Coloring).

Return to Excel Formulas List

This tutorial demonstrates how to add entire rows or columns in Excel.

The Sum Function

We will use the Sum Function to add up entire rows and columns. It takes input in two primary forms:

1. Standalone Cell References =sum(a1,b2,c3)
2. Arrays of Cells =sum(A1:E1).

We will use the latter method to sum range A1 to E1:

=SUM(A1:E1)

Tip 1: The shortcut ALT + = (press and hold ALT then tap =) will automatically create a Sum Function. When possible, Excel will guess which cells you would like to sum together, populating the Sum Function.
Tip 2: After using the ALT + = shortcut or after typing =sum(, use the arrow keys to select the appropriate cell. Then hold down SHIFT or CTRL + SHIFT to select the desired range of cells.
Tip 3: Instead of using the keyboard, you can also use the mouse to drag and highlight the desired range and complete the formula.

Sum an Entire Column

To add up an entire column, enter the Sum Function: =sum( and then enter the desired column. There are several ways to do this:

• Type the columns “A:A”
• Click the column letter at the top of the worksheet
• Use the arrow keys to navigate to the column and using the CTRL + SPACE shortcut to select the entire column.

The formula will be in the form of.

=sum(A:A)

Sum an Entire Row

To sum an entire row, use the same method as with columns:

• Type the rows “3:3”
• Click the row number at the left of the worksheet
• Use the arrow keys to navigate to the column and using the SHIFT + SPACE shortcut to select the entire row.

The formula will be in the form of.

=sum(1:1)

Add up Multiple Columns or Rows at Once

To sum columns or rows at the same time, use a formula of the form: =sum(A:B) or =sum(1:2). Remember that you can also use the keyboard shortcuts CTRL + SPACE to select an entire column or SHIFT + SPACE an entire row. Then, while holding down SHIFT, use the arrow keys to select multiple rows.

Sum Non-Contiguous Columns or Rows at Once

To sum Non-Contiguous Columns or Rows at Once, enter the separate ranges (columns or rows) separated by commas:

=SUM(A:A,B:B)

Sum Everything Except the Header

You may need to add up an entire column (or row), except the header. Non-numerical values will be automatically excluded, but if the header is numeric, the pervious methods will not work well

Instead, you can use a formula like this

=SUM(A2:A1048576)

Why 1,048,576? Excel worksheets only have 1,048,576 rows!

To see how many rows Excel has, select a cell in a blank column then you use the shortcut: CTRL + Down Arrow to navigate to the last row in the worksheet.

Sum to End of Column

Instead of adding up an entire column to the bottom of the worksheet, you can add-up only the rows containing data. To do this, first start your SUM Function. Then select the first row in the column containing the data you wish to sum, then use CTRL + SHIFT + Down Arrow to select all the cells in that column (Note: be careful of blank cells. CTRL + SHIFT + Arrow will navigate to the cell directly before a blank cell)

AutoSum Magic

Select a cell above/below or left/right the range you want to sum. Then use the shortcut ALT + = or select the Formulas Ribbon > AutoSum. Doing so will automatically generate a formula for you!

Common Sum Errors

#VALUE! – you have non-integers in the sum formula (not an issue in Excel 2013+)

#REF! – previously referenced column(s) or row(s) does not exist anymore

#NAME? – check formula spelling

For more information about Autosum in Excel visit Microsoft’s Website

Sum Entire Rows or Columns in Google Sheets

All the examples work the same in Google Sheets as Excel, except (annoyingly) you can not use the keyboard shortcuts to select entire rows or columns.