Compact mode
SUM vs COLUMN vs MONTH
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 typesSUMCOLUMN- Lookup & ReferenceCOLUMN belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
MONTHOperation 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
COLUMN- InformationCOLUMN performs Information operations. Functions that focus on retrieving and displaying data in various formats
MONTH- InformationMONTH performs Information operations. Functions that focus on retrieving and displaying data in various formats
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFor all*SUMCOLUMNMONTHPurpose 📝
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.
COLUMNMONTH
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionSUM- Basic Arithmetic CalculationsSUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.
COLUMN- Column Number RetrievalCOLUMN is known for Column Number Retrieval.
MONTH- Month ExtractionMONTH is known for Month Extraction.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionSUM- Most commonly used function in Excel
COLUMN- Essential for column calculations
MONTH- Essential for monthly reporting
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionSUM- Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985
COLUMN- The vertical cousin of ROW function
MONTH- January is 1 not 0 thankfully
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
COLUMN- RangeCOLUMN accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
MONTH- DateMONTH accepts Date as input data. Excel functions for working with dates and time values
Version 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
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 properlySUMCOLUMN- ~
MONTHRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionSUM- NumberSUM accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
- 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
COLUMN- RangeCOLUMN accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
MONTH- DateMONTH accepts Date as input types Excel functions specialized in processing date and time calculations
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionSUM- Easy To Use
- Widely Recognized
- Versatile
- Fast Calculation
COLUMN- No Arguments NeededExcel functions that work without arguments provide quick results with minimal setup
- Consistent Results
MONTH- Consistent Results
- Easy To Use
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionSUM- Limited To Numbers Only
- Cannot Handle Text
- No Text Handling
COLUMN- Limited FunctionalityFunctions with restricted capabilities, reducing problem-solving options Click to see all.
- Basic Output
MONTH- Single Purpose
- Basic Output
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to SUM
ISNUMBER
Known for Number Validation
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
FORMULATEXT
Known for Formula Inspection
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
COUNTBLANK
Known for Empty Cell Counter
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN
ISBLANK
Known for Empty Cell Detection
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN
NOW
Known for Current Date And Time Retrieval
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
TRANSPOSE
Known for Converting Row Data To Columns
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN
DAY
Known for Day Extraction
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
RAND
Known for Generate Random Numbers
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN