If either of the cells you’re adding contains anything other than the standard =SUM() formula, you’ll have to enclose that whole formula within the parentheses of the =VALUE() function to avoid errors. Do the following in each of the cell you’re adding:[1] X Research source Double-click the cell containing the formula. If the formula is standard, such as =SUM(A1:A15), you don’t have to make any changes. If the cell contains other functions (such as IF or AVERAGE), letters, or quotes, enclose the formula within the parentheses of the =VALUE() function. For example, =SUM(AVERAGE(A1:A15),AVERAGE(B1:B15)) would become =VALUE(SUM(AVERAGE(A1:A15),AVERAGE(B1:B15) )).

For example, if you’re adding the values of cells A4 and B4, your formula should look like this:=SUM(A4,B4) If you’re adding a range of cells, like an entire column, enter =SUM(A4:24). You can also add multiple rows or columns to your equation, like =SUM(A4:24, C2:C10)[2] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source

If the value of either of the two added cells changes, the result of your new formula will also. You can update all formulas on the sheet by pressing F9.