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DSUM.

Sums the numbers in a database column that match specified criteria.

SyntaxArgumentsExampleInteractive SandboxGeneratorCompatibilityFAQRelatedCheat Sheet
Category: Database
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Excel 2019Google Sheets

How it works.

DSUM adds the numbers in a field (column) of records in a list or database that match conditions you specify in a criteria table.

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=DSUM(database, field, criteria)
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the DSUM function is detailed below.

databaseRequired

The range of cells that makes up the database list including header rows.

Example value: A1:C5
fieldRequired

The column header name in quotes or 1-based index number to sum.

Example value: "Sales"
criteriaRequired

The range of cells containing your filter condition headers and values.

Example value: E1:E2

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Regional Sales Filter

Sum sales for the East region using a criteria range.

RegionProductSalesCriteria RegResult Sum
EastWidgets100East—
WestGadgets200——
EastTools300——
Applied Formula
=DSUM(A1:C5, "Sales", E1:E2)
Expected Result:400

Evaluates DSUM over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell E2.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

Customize the argument fields below to generate a tailored DSUM formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=DSUM()

Expected result behavior.

Returns number 400 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:400
Output Type:Numeric (Double/Integer)

Best Practices

  • Criteria headers must match database headers exactly, including spelling and casing.

Common Mistakes

  • A blank row in the criteria range will match every row in the database, producing an unfiltered sum.
Compatibility Database

Platform & version compatibility.

Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.

Excel✓
Supported
Excel 365✓
Supported
Excel 2021✓
Supported
Excel 2019✓
Supported
Google Sheets✓
Supported
Microsoft Excel History & Version Availability

Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.

Google Sheets Compatibility Notes

100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.

Frequently asked questions.

Technical Q&A
Can I use DSUM across different worksheets in Excel?↓

Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =DSUM(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.

What is the most common reason for errors in DSUM?↓

A blank row in the criteria range will match every row in the database, producing an unfiltered sum.

Does DSUM work identically in Google Sheets?↓

Yes, DSUM is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.