Compact mode
SUM vs ISBLANK vs ISNA
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 typesSUMISBLANK- InformationISBLANK belongs to the Information category. Excel functions that provide information about cells and data
ISNA- InformationISNA belongs to the Information category. Excel functions that provide information about cells and 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
ISBLANKISNA
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFor all*SUMISBLANK
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionSUM- Basic Arithmetic CalculationsSUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.
ISBLANK- Empty Cell DetectionISBLANK is known for Empty Cell Detection.
ISNA- Error Checking For #N/A ValuesISNA is known for Error Checking For #N/A Values.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionSUM- Most commonly used function in Excel
ISBLANK- Originally designed to detect truly empty cells
ISNA- Originally created to handle lookup function errors
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionSUM- Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985
ISBLANK- Sometimes mistakes spaces for emptiness
ISNA- The function that asks 'Is it not available or just hiding?'
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
ISBLANK- BooleanISBLANK accepts Boolean as input data. Excel functions that work with TRUE/FALSE logical values
ISNAVersion 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 properlyFor all*Required 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
ISBLANK- RangeISBLANK accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
ISNA- ErrorISNA accepts Error as input types Excel functions designed to handle and manage calculation errors effectively
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionSUM- Easy To Use
- Widely Recognized
- Versatile
- Fast Calculation
ISBLANK- Easy To Use
- Reliable For Data Validation
- Simple Syntax
ISNA- Simple Error DetectionExcel functions with simple error detection quickly identify and handle calculation issues
- Prevents Formula CrashesExcel functions with crash prevention maintain worksheet stability during complex calculations
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionSUM- Limited To Numbers Only
- Cannot Handle Text
- No Text Handling
ISBLANK- Limited To Cell Emptiness Only
- Cannot Detect Whitespace
ISNA
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to SUM
COUNTA
Known for Count Non-Empty Cells
⚙
performs better than SUM
AVERAGE
Known for Basic Statistical Calculation
⚙
performs better than SUM
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum
🔢
needs fewer arguments than SUM
MAX
Known for Finding Highest Value
⚙
performs better than SUM
MIN
Known for Finding Lowest Value
⚙
performs better than SUM
ROUND
Known for Round Numbers
🔢
needs fewer arguments than SUM
⚙
performs better than SUM
IF
Known for Conditional Statements
🔢
needs fewer arguments than SUM
📈
is more versatile than SUM