Written and reviewed by FormulaCraft Team. Each formula on this page is run through our verification engine before publishing.
Last reviewed:
How to sum the bottom N values in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:SUM & aggregationExcel & Google Sheets
=SUMPRODUCT(SMALL(B2:B6,{1,2,3}))✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Product | Score |
| A | 88 |
| B | 72 |
| C | 95 |
| D | 65 |
| E | 80 |
=SUMPRODUCT(SMALL(B2:B6,{1,2,3}))→65
Try it with your data
Edit the grid or formula, then run it through a real spreadsheet engine — no signup.
Sample data — click any cell to edit
Runs server-side · free · no signup
Step by step
- 1Identify the range containing your values, e.g. B2:B6.
- 2Decide how many bottom values to sum (N). For N=3 enter =SUMPRODUCT(SMALL(B2:B6,{1,2,3})). The array constant {1,2,3} tells SMALL to return the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd smallest values.
- 3Press Enter. Adjust the array constant to match your desired N (e.g. {1,2,3,4,5} for N=5).
Tips
- For a dynamic N stored in a cell (e.g. D1), use =SUMPRODUCT(SMALL(B2:B6,ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&D1)))) — ROW(INDIRECT()) generates the rank array automatically.
- In Excel 365 / Google Sheets you can also use =SUM(SMALL(B2:B6,SEQUENCE(3))) where SEQUENCE(3) produces {1;2;3}.
- SMALL ignores text but includes zeros; verify your data has no stray zeros that should be excluded.
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
How do I sum the bottom N values excluding zeros?
Filter zeros first: =SUMPRODUCT(SMALL(IF(B2:B6>0,B2:B6,""),{1,2,3})) entered as a regular formula in Excel 365 / Sheets, or Ctrl+Shift+Enter in older Excel.
What is the difference between SMALL and MIN?
MIN returns only the single smallest value. SMALL(range, k) returns the k-th smallest, allowing you to retrieve multiple ranked values.
More on SUM & aggregation
See all →Reference
SUMPRODUCT
Multiply ranges together row by row and sum the result — ideal for weighted totals.
How-toHow to sum a column
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.
ReferenceSUBTOTAL
Aggregate a range (sum, average, count…) while ignoring other SUBTOTALs and, optionally, hidden rows. Ideal under filters.
How-toHow to create a running total
Build a cumulative running total with a SUM and a clever anchored reference that grows as you copy it down. Works in both apps.
How-toHow to sum values by month
Total amounts that fall in a given month with SUMIFS and two date bounds. Works the same in Excel and Google Sheets.