The SUMSQ function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool used to calculate the sum of the squares of a set of numbers or cell references. This function is particularly useful in statistical analysis, engineering, and various fields that require calculations involving squared values.

Syntax

SUMSQ(value1, [value2, ...])

• value1: The first number or cell reference to include in the sum of squares.
• value2: (Optional) Additional numbers or cell references. You can include up to 30 additional values.

Example #1

SUMSQ(3, 4)

This function call calculates the sum of the squares of 3 and 4. The result will be 25, calculated as 3² + 4² = 9 + 16.

Example #2

SUMSQ(A1:A3)

If cells A1 through A3 contain the values 2, 5, and 8, this will give a result of 93, as it calculates 2² + 5² + 8² = 4 + 25 + 64.

Example #3

SUMSQ(A1, B1, 10)

Assuming A1 is 1 and B1 is 2, this function will compute the sum of the squares of 1, 2, and 10, resulting in 105, since 1² + 2² + 10² = 1 + 4 + 100.

Error handling

• VALUE!: This error occurs if you provide a non-numeric input. Ensure that all inputs are either numbers or cells containing numbers.
• NUM!: This error may arise if the values are too large, causing an overflow. Check the size of your input numbers.

Conclusion

In summary, the SUMSQ function is an essential tool for anyone working with numerical data in Google Sheets. By efficiently calculating the sum of squares, it facilitates deeper analysis and insights. Understanding its syntax and error handling can help users maximize its potential in their calculations.