# Google Sheets ADD Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/add-function - Author: Better Analyst Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account, more powerful analysis.Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account and workflows, with more powerful analysis, dashboards, and automation. [Learn what changed](https://betteranalyst.com/formula-bot-is-now-better-analyst) Returns the sum of exactly two numbers, the same as using the + operator. ``` =ADD(value1, value2) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the ADD you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula ## Parameters | Parameter | Required | Description | | - | - | - | | **value1** | Yes | The first number to add. Can be a number, a cell reference, or a formula that returns a number. | | **value2** | Yes | The second number to add. Same rules as **value1**. | ## What Is ADD? ADD is one of Google Sheets' operator functions. It takes two numbers and returns their total. Writing `=ADD(A1, B1)` produces exactly the same result as `=A1+B1`. Google Sheets includes a small family of these function versions of arithmetic operators (ADD, MINUS, MULTIPLY, DIVIDE, and others), mainly so that arithmetic can be passed around as a function, nested in other formulas, or written in a style that some people find easier to read. ## How ADD Works ADD accepts **exactly two arguments**. Unlike SUM, it does not take a list of values or a range. Each argument must resolve to a single number (or something Sheets can treat as a number, such as a date or a numeric string). The function returns **value1 + value2**. Because dates and times are stored as serial numbers in Google Sheets, ADD can also be used for date arithmetic, such as moving a date forward a set number of days. ## Basic Examples ### Add two numbers ``` =ADD(15, 27) ``` Returns 42. ### Add two cells ``` =ADD(B2, C2) ``` Returns the total of the values in B2 and C2, the same as `=B2+C2`. ### Add days to a date ``` =ADD(A2, 30) ``` If A2 holds a date, this returns the date 30 days later. Format the result cell as a date to see it properly. ### Nest ADD inside another formula ``` =ROUND(ADD(B2, C2) * 1.08, 2) ``` Adds two values, applies an 8% markup, and rounds to two decimal places. ## ADD vs. SUM vs. the + Operator | Feature | ADD | SUM | + operator | | - | - | - | - | | Number of inputs | Exactly 2 | Any number of values or ranges | Any number, chained | | Accepts ranges | No | Yes | No | | Text in a referenced cell | Error | Ignored | Error | | Typical use | Function-style arithmetic | Totals of lists and columns | Quick inline math | If you need to total a column, use [SUM](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/sum-function). ADD is best when you are combining exactly two values and want the operation spelled out as a function. ## Using ADD with ARRAYFORMULA ADD works element by element when wrapped in ARRAYFORMULA, which lets you add two whole columns in one formula: ``` =ARRAYFORMULA(ADD(B2:B100, C2:C100)) ``` Each row of the result contains the matching B value plus the matching C value. Both ranges should be the same size. ## Common Use Cases - **Combining two amounts**: base price plus shipping, salary plus bonus - **Date offsets**: a start date plus a fixed number of days - **Readable templates**: spreadsheets built for people who prefer named functions over symbols - **Formula building**: constructing formulas programmatically where a function name is easier to generate than an operator ## Common Errors - **Too many arguments**: `=ADD(1, 2, 3)` returns an error because ADD takes only two values. Use SUM or chain `+` instead. - **Passing a range**: `=ADD(A1:A10, 5)` will not total the range outside of an array context. Use `=SUM(A1:A10) + 5`. - **#VALUE! error**: One of the arguments is text that cannot be read as a number, such as `"ten"` or a value with stray characters. - **Empty cells**: A blank cell is treated as 0, so `=ADD(A1, B1)` with an empty B1 simply returns A1. ## Tips and Best Practices - Numeric text such as `"12"` is usually converted automatically, but it is better to store numbers as real numbers so other functions treat them consistently. - To subtract, use MINUS or the `-` operator; to divide, see [DIVIDE](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/divide-function). - To control decimal display of a result, wrap it in [ROUND](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/round-function) rather than relying only on cell formatting. - For conditional totals, ADD is the wrong tool. Use [SUMIF](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/sumif-function) instead. ## Related Functions - [SUM](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/sum-function): totals any number of values and ranges - [DIVIDE](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/divide-function): the function form of the / operator - [SUMIF](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/sumif-function): adds values that meet a condition - [ROUND](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/round-function): rounds a result to a set number of places ## Example use case A freelancer keeps their base fee in column B and a rush surcharge in column C. Using =ADD(B2, C2) in column D, they get the total invoice amount for each job, and wrapping it in ARRAYFORMULA fills the whole column at once. ## Need more help with Google Sheets formulas? Sign up for Better Analyst and get unlimited AI-powered formula generation, explanations, and advanced data analysis. [Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) ## Google Sheets how-to guides - [How To Add A Column In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-add-a-column-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Line Graph In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-line-graph-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Pie Chart In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-pie-chart-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Table In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-table-in-google-sheets) - [How To Merge Cells In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-merge-cells-in-google-sheets) - [How To Multiply In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-multiply-in-google-sheets) - [How To Password Protect An Google Sheets File](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-password-protect-an-google-sheets-file) - [How To Remove Blank Rows In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-remove-blank-rows-in-google-sheets) ## Explore all Google Sheets formulas Browse our complete library of Google Sheets formula guides Compare your options ## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch. 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