excel

How To Total Different Categories In Excel

Jump to

    Mastering the skill to total different categories in Excel is essential for efficient data analysis and reporting. This capability allows users to quickly sum values within specific groups, providing insightful summaries of complex datasets.

    While Excel offers functions like SUMIF and PivotTables for this purpose, users often seek simpler and more intuitive solutions. In this guide, we'll demonstrate the process of totaling categories in Excel and discuss why Sourcetable offers a more user-friendly alternative for such tasks.

    How to Total Different Categories in Excel

    Using SUMIF Function

    The SUMIF function in Excel totals values based on specific criteria. Apply SUMIF with the syntax SUMIF(range, criteria, [sum_range]), ensuring the 'range' and 'criteria' arguments are provided. The 'sum_range' is optional and used when totalling cells different from the evaluated 'range'.

    Summarizing Data with Excel Features

    Excel's data summarization tools, including SUBTOTAL, Tables, Slicers, and Pivot Tables, cater to various summary needs. Use SUBTOTAL for sorted data, Tables for simple summaries, Slicers for filtered views, and Pivot Tables for comprehensive and quick data aggregation.

    Creating Pivot Tables for Category Totals

    Pivot Tables are your go-to for summarizing and calculating totals for different categories. They work with data from single or multiple worksheets and even across workbooks, offering a dynamic approach to data analysis in Excel versions from 2003 to Excel 365.

    Common Use Cases

    • excel

      Analyzing monthly expenses by category to better manage a personal budget

    • excel

      Summarizing total sales per product for a retail business

    • excel

      Calculating total hours worked per project for a freelance professional

    • excel

      Assessing total donations received by category for a fundraising event

    • excel

      Compiling total scores for students by subject in an academic setting

    Excel vs. Sourcetable: A Comparative Analysis

    Discover the key differences between Excel and Sourcetable, two powerful tools for data management. Excel, a long-standing leader in spreadsheet software, is challenged by Sourcetable's innovative approach to data integration and AI assistance.

    Excel's robust functionality has been the go-to choice for data analysis, but Sourcetable offers a unique feature set that streamlines data collection. Sourcetable's ability to aggregate data from multiple sources into one place sets it apart, offering a new level of efficiency for data management.

    While Excel requires manual formula creation, Sourcetable's AI copilot assists users in generating formulas and templates. This AI-driven assistance simplifies complex tasks, making data manipulation more accessible to users of all skill levels.

    Choose Sourcetable for a seamless and intelligent data handling experience or stick with the traditional, versatile capabilities of Excel. The decision hinges on your specific data analysis needs and your preference for AI support.

    Recommended Reading

    • How to... how to sum multiple columns in excel
    • How to... excel how to aggregate data
    • How to... how to total filtered data in excel
    • How to... how to display total row in excel
    • How to... how to group sum in excel
    • How to... how to add a total row in excel table
    • How to... how to add up multiple rows in excel


    Sourcetable Logo

    Try Sourcetable To Get Insights From Your Data

    Ask questions about your data in a powerful spreadsheet that your whole team knows how to use.

    Drop CSV