Many of my clients keep a “running total” of sales. They put “Dates” in Column “A” and enter each day’s sales in Column “B.” Next is Column “C” which contains the formula =SUM(B$:B250). That is fine – it works.

However, if you use the =SUMIF() function to total Year-to-Date (YTD) Sales you gain flexibility, save space and save time – because you do not have to scroll down several screens to see your YTD Sales total!

In this video, I show you how to use “Named Ranges” in a =SUMIF() Formula to keep track of your cumulative sales total.

Here are the steps to follow in this lesson:

1. Traditionally, you use a formula like =SUM(B$3:B250) to give you a “running total” for YTD Sales.
2. The=SUMIF() Function returns the SUM of vales that meet a “Single Criterion” (the IF portion) .
3. The 1st Argument is – What is the Range that you want your criteria to evaluate? Consider “Naming” this Range – it makes it easier to write your formula and explain your formula.
4. The 2nd Argument is – What is your criteria? Be sure to use this syntax – “Comparison Operator”
5. In the video example we also need to include the “&” to join the cell “D2.” Cell “D2,” in this example, contains the Function =TODAY()
6. The 3rd Argument is – What Range do you want to SUM to return the values that meet your Criteria?
7. The =DATE() Function returns the serial number for a specific date. It requires 3 Arguments. =Date, Year, Month, Day)
8. You will save time and gain productivity when you “Name Cells and Ranges” and then you them in your formulas.
9. Use the F3 shortcut key to “Paste Names” into your formulas.

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