Summary

The Excel SUMSQ function returns the sum of the squares of the values provided. Values can be supplied as constants, cell references, or ranges.

Purpose 

Get sum of squares of supplied values

Return value 

Calculated sum of squares

Syntax

=SUMSQ(number1,[number2],...)
  • number1 - The first argument containing numeric values.
  • number2 - [optional] The first argument containing numeric values.

How to use 

The SUMSQ function returns the sum of the squares of the numbers provided. SUMSQ takes multiple arguments in the form number1, number2, number3, etc. up to 255 total. Arguments can be a hardcoded constant, a cell reference, or a range. All numbers in the arguments provided are squared then summed. The SUMSQ function automatically ignores empty cells and text values.

Examples

=SUMSQ(1,2) // returns 5
=SUMSQ(1,2,3) // returns 14
=SUMSQ({1,2,3}) // returns 14

In the worksheet shown, the formula in H5, copied down, is:

=SUMSQ(B5:F5) // returns 5

Notice that SUMSQ automatically ignores empty cells and text values.

Notes

  • Arguments can be a mix of constants, names, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
  • Empty cells, logical values, and text values are ignored when they appear in arrays or references.
  • The logical values TRUE and FALSE are evaluated as 1 and 0 respectively, but only when they are hardcoded as arguments.
  • Numbers entered as text (i.e. "1", "3", etc.) are evaluated, but only when they are hardcoded as arguments.
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Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.