Formula guide · Excel and Google Sheets · Updated May 13, 2026
SUMIF vs SUMIFS
Choose between SUMIF and SUMIFS based on how many conditions your sum needs.
Quick Answer
Use SUMIF for one condition. Use SUMIFS for two or more conditions, and consider using SUMIFS by default for consistency.
Copyable Formula
=SUMIFS(D2:D20,B2:B20,"West",C2:C20,"Paid")Syntax
SUMIF(range, criteria, [sum_range]) vs SUMIFS(sum_range, criteria_range1, criteria1, ...)Excel and Google Sheets
Worked Example
| Task | Formula |
|---|---|
| Sum one region | =SUMIF(B2:B20,"West",D2:D20) |
| Sum one region and status | =SUMIFS(D2:D20,B2:B20,"West",C2:C20,"Paid") |
Result: SUMIFS is easier to extend when a report later needs extra criteria.
Steps
- Use SUMIF when there is only one test.
- Use SUMIFS when every row must satisfy multiple tests.
- Remember that the argument order changes between the two functions.
Common Mistakes
- Mixing SUMIF and SUMIFS argument order.
- Using SUMIF when the report will obviously need more conditions.
- Not locking ranges before copying formulas across a summary table.
Excel vs Google Sheets Notes
The core idea works in both Excel and Google Sheets, but separators, function availability, and array behavior can vary by account, locale, and version.
Editorial check: This guide was last updated May 13, 2026. Formula behavior can vary by Excel version, Google Sheets rollout, and spreadsheet locale.