The ADD function in Google Sheets is a straightforward yet powerful tool used to calculate the sum of two or more numerical values. This function simplifies basic arithmetic by allowing users to efficiently combine numbers, making it an essential feature for data analysis and spreadsheet management.

Syntax

ADD(value1, value2)

• value1: The first number or reference to a cell containing a number.
• value2: The second number or reference to a cell containing another number.

Example #1

ADD(5, 10)

This function sums 5 and 10, resulting in 15.

Example #2

ADD(A1, B1)

If cell A1 contains 20 and cell B1 contains 30, this will return 50.

Example #3

ADD(3.5, 4.5)

This adds 3.5 and 4.5, giving a result of 8.0.

Error handling

• VALUE!: This error occurs if either value1 or value2 is non-numeric or references a cell containing non-numeric data.
• NAME?: This indicates that Google Sheets does not recognize the function name due to a typographical error or incorrect syntax.
• REF!: This error happens when one of the cell references provided does not point to valid cells (e.g., deleted cells).

Conclusion

In summary, the ADD function equips users with a simple way to perform addition directly within Google Sheets. Its straightforward syntax allows for quick computations, making it invaluable for anyone looking to manage numerical data effectively.