How to Sum the Values in a Column in Microsoft Word

How to find the sum of all the values in a column? You might not even say wait, before you tell me how you can do it. But wait, did I tell you that it’s not Excel, but Word? In Excel, everyone knows how to apply a formula function and find the sum of all the values in a column. But when it comes to Microsoft Word, people often depend on a calculator to find the sum of values or take the data from Word to Excel, do the calculations, and then it put it back on Word. Well, both the solutions are not ideal, for obvious reasons. Wondering what else can be done? Would you believe it if I tell you that it is easier to find the sum of values in Word than it is in Excel? You have to, because that’s the reality!

In this article, we tell you how you can quickly find the sum of all the values in a column in Microsoft Word, with the help of some inbuilt functionalities, through 2 different solutions. Hope you enjoy!

Solution 1: Through Layout Tab Data Formula

Step 1: Let’s say you have the following table. We need to find the sum of the values in the second column.

For that, click on the cell where you want the sum value to be calculated.

Now, you will be able to see 2 contextual tabs namely Design and Layout. Click on the LAYOUT tab. As next, under the Data section of the LAYOUT tab, click on the button named Formula.

 



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Step 2: On the Formula window, under the field Formula, the =SUM(ABOVE) function will be already populated. If not, simply copy and paste it.

Once done, hit the OK button.

 

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Step 3: That’s it. If you now look at your Excel sheet, you can see that the sum of the values is calculated and dispalyed on the cell you selected.

 

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Extra Cookie Section

By default, the sum function would be auto-populated as =SUM(ABOVE). It means, to sum all the values above the selected cell. You can customize it and make it =SUM(BELOW), which will sum all the values under the selected cell. Likewise, if you use the function =SUM(LEFT), it will sum all the values to the left of the selected cell, just like how =SUM(RIGHT) will sum all the values to the right of the selected cell.

Solution 2: By Customizing Quick Access Toolbar

If you are someone who needs to find the sum of values frequently in Microsoft Word, then you can add the Sum functionality to your Quick Access Toolbar. In that case, every time you need to find a sum, you just need to click on this button on the Quick Access Toolbar. Let’s see how this can be done.

Step 1: Right click anywhere on the Quick Access Toolbar. From the right click context menu options, click on the one that says Customize Quick Access Toolbar.

 

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Step 2: On the Word Options window, Quick Access Toolbar will be automatically selected in the left window pane.

In the center pane of the window, click on the dropdown arrow icon associated with the option Choose commands from.

From the list of options available in the dropdown, click on the one that says All Commands.

 

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Step 3: Now, scroll through the list of options available and click on the one that says Sum. Click on the Add >> button next.

 

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Step 4: Now, the Sum functionality will be added to the right pane of the window. Hit the OK button to proceed.

 

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Step 5: The Sum function is now successfully added to the Quick Access Toolbar.



You can now simply click on the cell where you want the Sum value to be displayed and then click on the Sum button on the Quick Access Toolbar to calculate the sum.

 

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Step 6: Viola! The sum is now generated, with just a single click.

 

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