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How to sum a column found by its header in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:SUM & aggregationExcel & Google Sheets
=SUM(OFFSET(A1,1,MATCH("Sales",A1:C1,0)-1,3,1))Try it with your data
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Step by step
- 1MATCH("Sales", A1:C1, 0) returns the position of the Sales header — here column 2.
- 2OFFSET starts one row below the header, shifts to that column, and takes a 3-row-tall block.
- 3SUM totals the block — 100 + 200 + 150 = 450 — and follows the header if columns are rearranged.
Tips
- Match the data height (the 3) to your real number of rows, or use a generous block.
- INDEX/MATCH is a non-volatile alternative: =SUM(INDEX(A2:C4,0,MATCH("Sales",A1:C1,0))).
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Frequently asked
What if the header is not found?
MATCH returns #N/A. Wrap it in IFERROR to show a friendly message, but fix the header text rather than hiding the error.
More on SUM & aggregation
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Multiply ranges together row by row and sum the result — ideal for weighted totals.
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Add up an entire column with SUM. Total a whole column or a fixed range — identical in Excel and Google Sheets.
Error fixFix 0
SUM returns 0 or the wrong total in Excel and Google Sheets — fix numbers stored as text, filtered ranges, manual calculation mode, and circular references.
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Aggregate a range (sum, average, count…) while ignoring other SUBTOTALs and, optionally, hidden rows. Ideal under filters.
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Build a cumulative running total with a SUM and a clever anchored reference that grows as you copy it down. Works in both apps.
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Total amounts that fall in a given month with SUMIFS and two date bounds. Works the same in Excel and Google Sheets.