Compact mode
SUM vs ISNUMBER vs INDIRECT
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 typesSUMISNUMBERINDIRECTOperation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsSUMISNUMBERINDIRECT
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFor all*SUMISNUMBERINDIRECTPurpose 📝
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.
ISNUMBER- Data AnalysisISNUMBER is used for Data Analysis. Functions specifically designed for analyzing data Click to see all.
- Conditional LogicISNUMBER is used for Conditional Logic. Functions used for conditional calculations and logic operations Click to see all.
INDIRECT
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionSUM- Basic Arithmetic CalculationsSUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.
ISNUMBER- Number ValidationISNUMBER is known for Number Validation.
INDIRECT- Dynamic Cell ReferencesINDIRECT is known for Dynamic Cell References.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionSUM- Most commonly used function in Excel
ISNUMBER- Used over 1 billion times daily
INDIRECT- Can create circular references easily
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionSUM- Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985
ISNUMBER- The bouncer of Excel functions - strictly checks IDs
INDIRECT- The function that makes Excel question its life choices
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelySUMISNUMBERINDIRECT
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersSUMISNUMBER- NumberISNUMBER accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations Click to see all.
- TextISNUMBER accepts Text as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for text manipulation Click to see all.
INDIRECTVersion 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.
ISNUMBEROperating 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
SUMISNUMBERRequired 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 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.
ISNUMBER- NumberISNUMBER accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs Click to see all.
- TextISNUMBER accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing Click to see all.
INDIRECT
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionSUM- Easy To Use
- Widely Recognized
- Versatile
- Fast Calculation
ISNUMBER- Fast ExecutionFunctions that process data quickly and efficiently Click to see all.
- Simple Syntax
- Reliable Results
INDIRECT- Flexible Referencing
- Dynamic Range Selection
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionSUM- Limited To Numbers Only
- Cannot Handle Text
- No Text Handling
ISNUMBER- Limited To Number CheckingFunctions restricted to verifying if values are numbers without additional capabilities Click to see all.
- Binary Output Only
- No Customization
INDIRECT- Performance Intensive
- Complex Syntax
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to SUM
ISBLANK
Known for Empty Cell Detection📈 is more versatile than ISNUMBER
⭐ is rated higher than ISNUMBER
COUNTIF
Known for Counting With Conditions🔢 needs fewer arguments than ISNUMBER
📈 is more versatile than ISNUMBER
ROW
Known for Row Number Retrieval⭐ is rated higher than ISNUMBER
COLUMN
Known for Column Number Retrieval⭐ is rated higher than ISNUMBER
VLOOKUP
Known for Vertical Data Search🔢 needs fewer arguments than ISNUMBER
📈 is more versatile than ISNUMBER
DATEVALUE
Known for Text To Date Conversion📈 is more versatile than ISNUMBER
IF
Known for Conditional Statements🔢 needs fewer arguments than ISNUMBER
📈 is more versatile than ISNUMBER
⭐ is rated higher than ISNUMBER
COUNTA
Known for Count Non-Empty Cells📈 is more versatile than ISNUMBER
⭐ is rated higher than ISNUMBER
LEFT
Known for Text Extraction🔢 needs fewer arguments than ISNUMBER
📈 is more versatile than ISNUMBER