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How to sum cells whose label contains a word in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:SUM & aggregationExcel & Google Sheets
=SUMIF(A2:A5,"*apple*",B2:B5)✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Product | Sales |
| Green Apple | 120 |
| Banana | 80 |
| Pineapple | 95 |
| Mango | 60 |
=SUMIF(A2:A5,"*apple*",B2:B5)→215
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Step by step
- 1Place your labels (text) in one column (e.g., A) and the values to sum in an adjacent column (e.g., B).
- 2In an empty cell type =SUMIF( then select the label range A2:A100.
- 3For the criteria, enter the wildcard pattern in quotes, such as "*apple*" to match any label containing 'apple'.
- 4Select the sum range B2:B100 as the third argument and close the parenthesis.
- 5Press Enter — the formula sums every row whose label contains the word.
Tips
- Make the search word dynamic by referencing a cell: =SUMIF(A2:A100,"*"&D1&"*",B2:B100) sums rows containing whatever you type in D1.
Need it for your exact data?
Describe your columns in plain English and get the precise formula for your sheet, with the right Excel or Sheets syntax.
Frequently asked
Is the partial-text match case-sensitive?
No, SUMIF wildcard matching is case-insensitive in both Excel and Google Sheets.
What if my values are in a non-adjacent column?
SUMIF handles non-adjacent sum ranges fine — just specify the correct column as the third argument regardless of its position.
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