Formula Guide

The Excel SUMPRODUCT Function
explained simply

SUMPRODUCT multiplies arrays together and sums the results. One of the most versatile formulas in Excel — weighted averages, conditional sums, unique counts and more.

ExcelPro · 6 min read · Updated June 2026
Contents
  1. What does SUMPRODUCT do?
  2. Syntax
  3. 5 real examples
  4. Using SUMPRODUCT for conditional sums
  5. SUMPRODUCT vs SUMIFS
  6. FAQ

What does SUMPRODUCT do?

SUMPRODUCT multiplies corresponding values from two or more arrays together, then sums all the results. The simplest use is =SUMPRODUCT(quantities, prices) — it multiplies each quantity by its price and adds up the totals, giving you total revenue in one formula instead of needing a helper column.

But SUMPRODUCT's real power goes far beyond this. Because it works on entire arrays at once, it can be used for conditional sums (replacing SUMIFS in some cases), weighted averages, counting unique values, and complex multi-criteria calculations — often without needing Ctrl+Shift+Enter array entry.

Syntax

=SUMPRODUCT(array1, [array2], [array3], ...)
ArgumentDescription
array1 requiredThe first array or range to multiply.
[array2] ... optionalAdditional arrays of the same size. Up to 255 arrays.
⚠️ Arrays must be the same size

All arrays must have exactly the same number of rows and columns. Mismatched sizes return #VALUE!.

5 real examples

Example 1
Total revenue (quantity × price)
=SUMPRODUCT(B2:B10, C2:C10)

Multiplies quantity in B by price in C for each row, then sums all the results. No helper column needed.

Example 2
Weighted average
=SUMPRODUCT(scores, weights) / SUM(weights)

Multiplies each score by its weight, sums the products, divides by total weight. More accurate than a simple average when items have different importance.

Example 3
Conditional sum with AND logic
=SUMPRODUCT((A2:A100="North")*(B2:B100="Coffee")*C2:C100)

Multiplying boolean arrays (TRUE/FALSE → 1/0) creates AND logic. Only rows where both conditions are true contribute to the sum.

Example 4
Count unique values
=SUMPRODUCT(1/COUNTIF(A2:A100, A2:A100))

Each value is counted how many times it appears. 1/count gives each unique value a fractional weight that sums to 1. Total = number of distinct values.

Example 5
OR logic conditional sum
=SUMPRODUCT(((A2:A100="North")+(A2:A100="South")>0)*C2:C100)

Adding boolean arrays creates OR logic. The >0 converts any positive sum to 1, ensuring rows matching either condition count once only.

Using SUMPRODUCT for conditional sums

SUMPRODUCT can replicate SUMIFS using array multiplication. The advantage: SUMPRODUCT handles OR logic natively and works in older Excel versions that predate SUMIFS.

SUMIFS equivalent (AND logic): =SUMPRODUCT((A2:A100="North")*(B2:B100>0)*C2:C100) OR logic (impossible with single SUMIFS): =SUMPRODUCT(((A2:A100="North")+(A2:A100="South")>0)*C2:C100)

SUMPRODUCT vs SUMIFS

SUMPRODUCTSUMIFS
AND logic✅ (multiply arrays)✅ (native)
OR logic✅ (add arrays)❌ (not native)
Speed on large dataSlowerFaster
Weighted calculations
Works in Excel 2003

FAQ

Does SUMPRODUCT need to be entered as an array formula?
No — SUMPRODUCT handles arrays internally without Ctrl+Shift+Enter. This was one of its main advantages before Excel 365 made dynamic arrays widely available.
What happens if an array contains text?
SUMPRODUCT treats text as 0 in arithmetic. Text cells in a multiplication array contribute nothing to the sum.
Can SUMPRODUCT count instead of sum?
Yes — omit the values array: =SUMPRODUCT((A2:A100="North")*(B2:B100>0)) counts rows where both conditions are true.

Practise SUMPRODUCT

ExcelPro has SUMPRODUCT exercises in the Accounting and Data Analyst tracks. Free to start.

Try exercises →

Related formulas

SUMIFS COUNTIF AVERAGEIFS SUM IF CORREL