SUMPRODUCT function

Excel SUMPRODUCT Function is a powerful tool that allows you to multiply and add values together in a single step. It’s like a super calculator that can save you a lot of time when working with data in spreadsheets. This function is used to find the sum of the products of corresponding numbers in one or more arrays. It might sound a bit complicated, but I’ll break it down for you.

Syntax

SUMPRODUCT(array1, [array2], [array3], …)

Arguments

array1This is the first array of values that you want to multiply and add together.
[array2](Optional) You can add more arrays if needed. Each additional array represents another set of values to multiply and add. You can have up to 255 arrays in total.

How to use

The SUMPRODUCT function is quite versatile, and you can use it in various ways. Let’s explore a few examples to understand how it works.

Example 1: Basic Usage

This formula multiplies the values in cells A1, A2, and A3 with the values in cells B1, B2, and B3 and then adds the results together.

Example 2: Weighted Average

Here, we find the weighted average of values in array A based on the weights in array B. It multiplies each value in A with its corresponding weight in B, sums up these products, and then divides by the sum of the weights in array B.

Example 3: Counting Matching Criteria

In this case, we want to count the number of rows where column A has “Apples” and column B has “Red.” The function multiplies the results of the two conditions (true or false) and then sums them up, giving us the count of matching criteria.

Example 4: Advanced Use with Multiple Arrays

You can use the SUMPRODUCT function with multiple arrays, as shown here. It multiplies the corresponding values in three different arrays and adds the results together.

Example 5: Handling Error Values

In this example, the function multiplies the values in A1:A5 with B1:B5 but only for cells in A1:A5 that contain numbers. If a cell in A1:A5 is not a number, it’s treated as 0. This can help you handle error values in your calculations.

Additional Information

The SUMPRODUCT function is a handy tool for performing various calculations in Excel. It’s particularly useful for tasks like finding weighted averages, counting specific criteria, or handling multiple arrays of data. Remember, you can use it with up to 255 arrays, making it a versatile choice for many scenarios in your spreadsheets.

Tomasz Decker is an Excel specialist, skilled in data analysis and financial modeling.