Compact mode
SUM vs AVERAGE vs PRODUCT
Table of content
Basic Classification Comparison
Function Category 📊
Primary classification of the Excel function based on its main purpose and usage domain, helps users quickly identify function typesSUMAVERAGEPRODUCTOperation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsFor all*
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFor all*SUMAVERAGEPRODUCTPurpose 📝
Primary purposes and use cases of the Excel functionSUM- Data AnalysisSUM is used for Data Analysis. Functions specifically designed for analyzing data Click to see all.
- Data AggregationSUM is used for Data Aggregation. Functions for combining and summarizing data Click to see all.
AVERAGEPRODUCT
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionSUM- Basic Arithmetic CalculationsSUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.
AVERAGE- Basic Statistical CalculationAVERAGE is known for Basic Statistical Calculation.
PRODUCT- Multiplying Numbers TogetherPRODUCT is known for Multiplying Numbers Together.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionSUM- Most commonly used function in Excel
AVERAGE- Most basic statistical function
PRODUCT- Can multiply up to 255 numbers at once
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionSUM- Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985
AVERAGE- Making averages average since Excel began
PRODUCT- The function that failed elementary school's 'times tables'
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyFor all*
Technical Details Comparison
Version Compatibility 💻
Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.For all*- Excel 2019Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
- Excel 2016Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
- Excel 2013Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
SUM- Microsoft 365SUM is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform Click to see all.
- Excel OnlineSUM is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform Click to see all.
AVERAGEOperating System 💾
Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platformsFor all*Required Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyFor all*Required Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionFor all*- NumberExcel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
- ArrayExcel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
SUMAVERAGE
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionSUM- Easy To Use
- Widely Recognized
- Versatile
- Fast Calculation
AVERAGE- Simple To Use
- Common Function
- Universal
PRODUCTCons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionSUM- Limited To Numbers Only
- Cannot Handle Text
- No Text Handling
AVERAGE- Ignores Text
- Includes Zero ValuesFunctions that consider zero values in calculations, impacting statistical results Click to see all.
- Numbers Only
- No Weights
PRODUCT- Can Overflow With Large Numbers
- No Selective Multiplication
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to SUM
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells📊 is easier to use than AVERAGE
COUNTIF
Known for Counting With Conditions🔢 needs fewer arguments than AVERAGE
COUNTA
Known for Count Non-Empty Cells📊 is easier to use than AVERAGE
📈 is more versatile than AVERAGE
🛠 is more reliable than AVERAGE
⭐ is rated higher than AVERAGE
ROUND
Known for Round Numbers🔢 needs fewer arguments than AVERAGE
📊 is easier to use than AVERAGE
📈 is more versatile than AVERAGE
⭐ is rated higher than AVERAGE
AVERAGEIF
Known for Conditional Average Calculations🔢 needs fewer arguments than AVERAGE
MOD
Known for Division Remainder Calculations🔢 needs fewer arguments than AVERAGE