Sum Every Nth Column in Excel

Using the FILTER and SUM Functions

To sum every nth column in Excel, apply the FILTER function to select the nth columns and then sum them using the SUM function. This modern approach is efficient but requires Excel versions that support FILTER.

Approach with SUMPRODUCT and MOD Functions

Alternatively, use the SUMPRODUCT function combined with the MOD function to multiply and sum every nth column. The MOD function assists in identifying nth columns by returning the remainder of the division by 'n'.

Extract and Sum Method

The first method involves extracting values from nth columns. Utilize the FILTER function to isolate these columns and then sum the extracted values for the total.

Zero-out and Sum Method

The second method zeros out non-nth column values. This is achieved by using the SUMPRODUCT function and a calculated array that nullifies non-targeted columns, summing the result for the final total.

Legacy Techniques with SUMPRODUCT

For older Excel versions lacking FILTER, the legacy SUMPRODUCT function is a viable alternative. It requires a more complex formula but is effective in summing every nth column.

Column Identification with COLUMN and SEQUENCE

Use the COLUMN function to generate relative column numbers for identification purposes. In newer Excel versions, the SEQUENCE function can also create a set of relative column numbers for this task.

Compatibility Considerations

Be aware that FILTER and SEQUENCE functions are not available in Excel versions prior to Office 365. In such cases, SUMPRODUCT and COLUMN functions serve as alternatives.

Common Use Cases

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  Creating quarterly reports by summing data from monthly columns
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  Analyzing weekly sales trends by aggregating data every seventh column
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  Consolidating test scores by subject when each subjects scores are several columns apart
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  Calculating seasonal expenses by summing every third month’s financial data
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  Compiling annual statistics from monthly datasets by adding up every twelfth column

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