📊 Excel DSUM Function
Sum Values in a Database with Custom Criteria
🎯 Purpose
The DSUM function sums values in a column of a table or database based on criteria you specify. It helps perform filtered sums with multiple conditions in a structured database-like dataset, making data analysis and reporting easier and more precise.
🧮 Syntax & Structure
=DSUM(database, field, criteria)
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| database | Range including the table with headers |
| field | Column to sum (name in quotes or column number) |
| criteria | Range specifying column headers and conditions for filtering |
🔄 How DSUM Works
1. Set Database
Select data range including headers
Select data range including headers
→
2. Define Field
Choose the column to sum
Choose the column to sum
→
3. Specify Criteria
Provide filter conditions
Provide filter conditions
→
4. Calculate Sum
Result based on criteria
Result based on criteria
💡 Real-World Example
📦 Scenario: Sum Quantity of Apples
You want to sum quantities only for “Apple” rows in your inventory table.
Sample Data:
| Fruit | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apple | 50 |
| Orange | 30 |
| Apple | 70 |
| Peach | 20 |
| Apple | 100 |
Criteria Table:
| Fruit |
|---|
| Apple |
Formula:
=DSUM(A1:B6, “Quantity”, D1:D2)
✅ Result: 220
🧠 Step-by-Step Explanation
1
Select database range: Includes headers and all data to be analyzed.
2
Choose the field: The column to sum, specified by header name or index.
3
Provide criteria: Criteria range with headers and values filters rows.
4
DSUM evaluates criteria: It sums all matching rows for the field column.
⚖️ DSUM vs SUMIFS
❌ SUMIFS
=SUMIFS(B2:B10, A2:A10, “Apple”)
Issues:
- Less intuitive for database-style criteria
- Cannot handle OR criteria easily
- Must write conditions inside formula
✅ DSUM
=DSUM(A1:B6, “Quantity”, D1:D2)
Benefits:
- Uses criteria table for AND/OR filtering
- Well suited for structured database ranges
- Criteria easily updated without changing formula
⚙️ Pro Tips & Best Practices
💡 Use Clear Headers
Ensure database and criteria headers match exactly to avoid errors.
💡 Use Wildcards
DSUM supports wildcards like “*” and “?” in criteria for partial matches.
💡 Structure Criteria for Logic
Multiple rows in criteria = OR logic; multiple columns = AND logic.
💡 Reference Column Names
Use quotes for the field argument for clarity and readability.
📌 Key Takeaways
- DSUM performs conditional sums based on criteria tables.
- Best for database-like structured data and multi-condition filters.
- More flexible than SUMIFS for complex AND/OR logic.
- Keep headers consistent and criteria clear.
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