Compact mode
SUM vs CHOOSE vs LEFT
Table of content
Basic Classification Comparison
Function Category 📊
Primary classification of the Excel function based on its main purpose and usage domain, helps users quickly identify function typesSUMCHOOSELEFT- TextLEFT belongs to the Text category. Excel functions for manipulating and analyzing text data
Operation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsSUM- CalculationSUM performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations
CHOOSE- ManipulationCHOOSE performs Manipulation operations. Functions that modify and transform data in different ways
LEFT- ManipulationLEFT performs Manipulation operations. Functions that modify and transform data in different ways
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionSUM- Data AnalystsSUM is designed for Data Analysts. Excel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation Click to see all.
- Business ManagersSUM is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
CHOOSE- StudentsCHOOSE is designed for Students. Excel functions helpful for academic work and learning Click to see all.
- AnalystsCHOOSE is designed for Analysts. Excel functions essential for data analysis and reporting Click to see all.
LEFTPurpose 📝
Primary purposes and use cases of the Excel functionSUM- Data AnalysisSUM is used for Data Analysis. Functions specifically designed for analyzing data Click to see all.
- Data AggregationSUM is used for Data Aggregation. Functions for combining and summarizing data Click to see all.
CHOOSELEFT
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionSUM- Basic Arithmetic CalculationsSUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.
CHOOSE- Value Selection From ListCHOOSE is known for Value Selection From List.
LEFT- Text ExtractionLEFT is known for Text Extraction.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionSUM- Most commonly used function in Excel
CHOOSE- One of the oldest Excel functions
LEFT- Often paired with RIGHT
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionSUM- Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985
CHOOSE- The function that plays eeny meeny miny moe
LEFT- The function that discriminates against right-handed people
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyFor all*
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersSUM- NumberSUM accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
CHOOSE- NumberCHOOSE accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
LEFTVersion Compatibility 💻
Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.For all*- Excel 2019Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
- Excel 2016Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
- Excel 2013Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
SUM- Microsoft 365SUM is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
- Excel OnlineSUM is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
LEFT- Microsoft 365LEFT is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
- Excel OnlineLEFT is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
Operating System 💾
Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platformsFor all*- WindowsExcel functions optimized for Windows operating system
- MacOSExcel functions optimized for MacOS users
- Web ExcelExcel functions available in web-based versions
Required Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlySUMCHOOSELEFTRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionFor all*- NumberExcel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
SUM- RangeSUM accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
- ArraySUM accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
CHOOSE- ArrayCHOOSE accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
LEFT- TextLEFT accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionSUM- Easy To Use
- Widely Recognized
- Versatile
- Fast Calculation
CHOOSE- Simple Index-Based SelectionExcel functions using index-based selection provide straightforward data retrieval methods
- Flexible Output Types
LEFT- Simple Text Extraction
- Consistent
- Easy Text Handling
- QuickQuick Excel functions deliver rapid results with minimal processing time
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionSUM- Limited To Numbers Only
- Cannot Handle Text
- No Text Handling
CHOOSE- Limited By Fixed Number Of Choices
- Not Dynamic
LEFT- Limited To Left SideFunctions that only work with characters from the left side of text entries Click to see all.
- Fixed Length OnlyFunctions restricted to processing fixed-length inputs, reducing versatility Click to see all.
- Only Left Side
- Fixed LengthFunctions only process data of specific lengths, limiting adaptability Click to see all.
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to SUM
ROUND
Known for Round Numbers
📈
is more versatile than CHOOSE
IF
Known for Conditional Statements
🔢
needs fewer arguments than CHOOSE
📈
is more versatile than CHOOSE
TRANSPOSE
Known for Converting Row Data To Columns
📈
is more versatile than CHOOSE
PMT
Known for Calculate Loan Payments
🔢
needs fewer arguments than CHOOSE