Compact mode
SUM vs COLUMN vs NOW
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 typesSUMCOLUMNNOWOperation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsSUMCOLUMNNOW
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionSUM- Data AnalystsSUM is designed for Data Analysts. Excel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation Click to see all.
- Business ManagersSUM is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
COLUMN- Data AnalystsCOLUMN is designed for Data Analysts. Excel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation Click to see all.
- ProgrammersCOLUMN is designed for Programmers. Excel functions useful for programming and automation tasks Click to see all.
NOWPurpose 📝
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.
COLUMNNOW
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionSUM- Basic Arithmetic CalculationsSUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.
COLUMN- Column Number RetrievalCOLUMN is known for Column Number Retrieval.
NOW- Current Date And Time RetrievalNOW is known for Current Date And Time Retrieval.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionSUM- Most commonly used function in Excel
COLUMN- Essential for column calculations
NOW- Updates approximately 86400 times per day
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionSUM- Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985
COLUMN- The vertical cousin of ROW function
NOW- The function that never lets you forget you're late
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
SUMOperating 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 properlySUMCOLUMN- ~
NOW- ~
Required Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionSUM- NumberSUM accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs Click to see all.
- RangeSUM accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations Click to see all.
- ArraySUM accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations Click to see all.
COLUMNNOW
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionSUM- Easy To Use
- Widely Recognized
- Versatile
- Fast Calculation
COLUMN- No Arguments NeededExcel functions that work without arguments provide quick results with minimal setup Click to see all.
- Consistent Results
NOWCons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionSUM- Limited To Numbers Only
- Cannot Handle Text
- No Text Handling
COLUMN- Limited FunctionalityFunctions with restricted capabilities, reducing problem-solving options Click to see all.
- Basic Output
NOW- Updates With Every Calculation
- Can Slow Spreadsheets
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to SUM
ISNUMBER
Known for Number Validation🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
FORMULATEXT
Known for Formula Inspection🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
MONTH
Known for Month Extraction🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
COUNTBLANK
Known for Empty Cell Counter🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈 is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐ is rated higher than COLUMN
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈 is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐ is rated higher than COLUMN
TRANSPOSE
Known for Converting Row Data To Columns🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈 is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐ is rated higher than COLUMN
ISBLANK
Known for Empty Cell Detection🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈 is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐ is rated higher than COLUMN
DAY
Known for Day Extraction🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
RAND
Known for Generate Random Numbers📈 is more versatile than COLUMN