Excel formula: 3D sum multiple worksheets

Generic formula

=SUM(Sheet1:Sheet3!A1)

Explanation

To sum the same range in one or more sheets, you can use the SUM formula with a special syntax called a "3d reference".

In the example shown, the formula in D6 is:

=SUM(Week1:Week5!D6)

How this formula works

The syntax for referencing a range of sheets is a built-in feature and works a bit like a reference to a range of cells. For example

Sheet1:Sheet3!A1

Means: cell A1 from Sheet1 to Sheet3.

In the example shown:

=SUM(Week1:Week5!D6)

Will sum cell D6 from Week1 to Week5, equivalent to:

=SUM(Week1!D6,Week2!D6,Week3!D6,Week4!D6,Week5!D6)

In this workbook, the sheets Week1 through Week 6 all look exactly like this:

Week1 through Week6 all have the same structure

Other examples

You can use 3D references in other formulas as well. For example, the formula in E6 averages D6 like this:

=AVERAGE(Week1:Week5!D6)

Author

Dave Bruns

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