Compact mode
SUM vs COUNTIFS vs SUBTOTAL
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 typesSUMCOUNTIFSSUBTOTALOperation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsSUMCOUNTIFSSUBTOTAL
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFor all*SUMCOUNTIFS- Business ManagersCOUNTIFS is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
- AnalystsCOUNTIFS is designed for Analysts. Excel functions essential for data analysis and reporting Click to see all.
SUBTOTAL
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionSUM- Basic Arithmetic CalculationsSUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.
COUNTIFS- Multiple Criteria CountingCOUNTIFS is known for Multiple Criteria Counting.
SUBTOTAL- Filtered Data CalculationsSUBTOTAL is known for Filtered Data Calculations.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionSUM- Most commonly used function in Excel
COUNTIFS- Enhanced version of COUNTIF
SUBTOTAL- Can Perform 11 Different Operations
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionSUM- Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985
COUNTIFS- The function that makes counting feel like detective work
SUBTOTAL- The Swiss Army Knife of Excel Functions
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelySUMCOUNTIFSSUBTOTAL
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersFor all*COUNTIFS- ArrayCOUNTIFS accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
- RangeCOUNTIFS accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets Click to see all.
SUBTOTALVersion 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
SUM- Excel 2013SUM is compatible with Excel 2013 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version Click to see all.
- 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.
COUNTIFSOperating System 💾
Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platformsFor all*- WindowsExcel functions optimized for Windows operating system
- MacOSExcel functions optimized for MacOS users
SUMCOUNTIFSRequired Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlySUMCOUNTIFSSUBTOTALRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionFor all*SUM- 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.
COUNTIFS- RangeCOUNTIFS accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations Click to see all.
- TextCOUNTIFS accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing Click to see all.
SUBTOTAL
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionSUM- Easy To Use
- Widely Recognized
- Versatile
- Fast Calculation
COUNTIFS- Flexible Criteria Options
- Multiple Conditions
- Easy To Use
- Handles Multiple Criteria
- Flexible
SUBTOTAL- Ignores Hidden Rows
- Multiple Functions
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionSUM- Limited To Numbers Only
- Cannot Handle Text
- No Text Handling
COUNTIFS- Complex Syntax For Multiple Criteria
- Performance Issues With Large Datasets
- Limited To Equal Conditions Only
- Case SensitiveFunctions where text matching is affected by letter case can cause unexpected results Click to see all.
SUBTOTAL- Function Code Memorization
- Limited Operations
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to SUM
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum🔢 needs fewer arguments than COUNTIFS
SUMIF
Known for Conditional Sum Calculations📊 is easier to use than COUNTIFS
AVERAGEIF
Known for Conditional Average Calculations📊 is easier to use than COUNTIFS
⚙ performs better than COUNTIFS
🛠 is more reliable than COUNTIFS
COUNTA
Known for Count Non-Empty Cells📊 is easier to use than COUNTIFS
⚙ performs better than COUNTIFS
🛠 is more reliable than COUNTIFS
⭐ is rated higher than COUNTIFS
MAXIFS
Known for Multiple Criteria Max🔢 needs fewer arguments than COUNTIFS
LARGE
Known for Finding Nth Largest Value📊 is easier to use than COUNTIFS
SMALL
Known for Finding Nth Smallest Value📊 is easier to use than COUNTIFS
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells📊 is easier to use than COUNTIFS
⚙ performs better than COUNTIFS
🛠 is more reliable than COUNTIFS
⭐ is rated higher than COUNTIFS