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How to sum only the negative numbers in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:SUM & aggregationExcel & Google Sheets
=SUMIF(B2:B6,"<0")✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Month | Net |
| Jan | 500 |
| Feb | -200 |
| Mar | 350 |
| Apr | -100 |
| May | 600 |
=SUMIF(B2:B6,"<0")→-300
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Step by step
- 1Select the range containing mixed values, e.g. B2:B6.
- 2Enter =SUMIF(B2:B6,"<0"). With no third argument, SUMIF sums the criteria range itself.
- 3Press Enter. The result is the sum of all negative values — a negative number itself.
Tips
- To get the absolute (positive) total of losses, wrap in ABS: =ABS(SUMIF(B2:B6,"<0")).
- SUMPRODUCT alternative: =SUMPRODUCT((B2:B6<0)*B2:B6) — useful when combining with additional criteria.
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Frequently asked
How do I count negative numbers rather than sum them?
Use =COUNTIF(B2:B6,"<0") to count how many cells are negative.
Does the result include cells that contain zero?
No — "<0" excludes zero. Use "<=0" to include zeros in the sum.
More on SUM & aggregation
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