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SUMIF Function (OpenOffice Calc)

Math Beginner OpenOffice Calc Introduction not established

The SUMIF function in OpenOffice Calc adds values based on a single condition. Learn syntax, examples, common errors, and best practices.

Verification status: Consult the documentation, examples and any stated test scope below. How formula examples are checked

Availability and version history

  • Introduced: Documented by Apache OpenOffice 4.1.16; original introduction not established.
  • Availability: Supported in Apache OpenOffice 4.1.16, verified against its function registry. This identifies a supported release, not a final working version.
  • Scope: Desktop Calc, using the English function name. Availability in other spreadsheet applications is separate.
  • Checked: 2026-10-14 — function reference; versioned support. Documentation/source check; not a new native test. Existing example-specific test claims below retain their stated scope.

The SUMIF function in OpenOffice Calc allows you to add values that meet a specific condition. It is ideal for filtering totals by category, threshold, text match, or any logical rule. Whether you’re analyzing sales by region, summing expenses above a certain amount, or isolating values by label, SUMIF is one of the most essential conditional functions in OpenOffice Calc.

What the SUMIF Function Does

  • Adds values that meet a single condition
  • Supports numeric, text, and logical criteria
  • Works with ranges of any size
  • Allows comparison operators (>, <, >=, <>, etc.)
  • Supports wildcard matching (* and ?)
  • Works across sheets
  • Ignores empty cells automatically

SUMIF is optimized for fast conditional aggregation and is widely used in financial models, inventory sheets, and categorized datasets.

Syntax

SUMIF(range; criteria; sum_range)

Arguments:

  • range — The cells to evaluate against the condition
  • criteria — The condition to test (text, number, or expression)
  • sum_range — The cells to sum when the condition is met
If sum_range is omitted, OpenOffice Calc sums the range itself.

Basic Examples

Sum values greater than a number

=SUMIF(A1:A10; ">50"; B1:B10)

Adds values in B1:B10 where the corresponding value in A1:A10 is greater than 50.

Sum values equal to text

=SUMIF(A1:A10; "North"; B1:B10)

Adds values in B1:B10 where A1:A10 equals "North".

Sum values matching a wildcard

=SUMIF(A1:A10; "Jan*"; B1:B10)

Matches any text beginning with “Jan”.

Sum values in the same range

=SUMIF(A1:A10; ">0")

Sums all positive numbers in A1:A10.

Advanced Examples

Sum values across sheets

=SUMIF(Sheet1.A1:A100; ">100"; Sheet1.B1:B100)

Sum values using cell‑based criteria

=SUMIF(A1:A10; C1; B1:B10)

If C1 contains ">=500", the formula uses that condition.

Sum values not equal to something

=SUMIF(A1:A10; "<>North"; B1:B10)

Sum values with partial text match

=SUMIF(A1:A10; "*Service*"; B1:B10)

Matches any text containing “Service”.

Sum values using numeric comparisons

=SUMIF(A1:A10; "<=100"; B1:B10)

Sum values with dates

=SUMIF(A1:A10; ">=" & DATE(2025;1;1); B1:B10)

Common Errors and Fixes

Err:508 — Missing parenthesis

Usually caused by:

  • Missing )
  • Incorrect concatenation of criteria
  • Using commas instead of semicolons

Err:504 — Parameter error

Occurs when:

  • range and sum_range are different sizes
  • A malformed condition is used
  • A text condition is missing quotes

SUMIF returns 0 unexpectedly

Possible causes:

  • Text numbers in the range
  • Hidden apostrophes ('123)
  • Criteria not matching due to spacing or case
  • Wildcards not used correctly

Fix: Convert text to numbers:
Data → Text to Columns → OK

Best Practices

  • Keep range and sum_range the same size
  • Use cell references for criteria to make formulas dynamic
  • Use wildcards for flexible text matching
  • Avoid mixing text and numbers in the same column
  • Use SUMIFS when multiple conditions are required
  • Use named ranges for cleaner formulas
For dynamic dashboards, store criteria in separate cells and reference them:
Example: =SUMIF(Category; F1; Sales)