Compact mode
SUM vs ISNUMBER 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 typesSUMISNUMBER- InformationISNUMBER belongs to the Information category. Excel functions that provide information about cells and data
LEFT- 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
ISNUMBERLEFT- 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 functionFor all*SUMISNUMBERLEFTPurpose 📝
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.
ISNUMBER- Data AnalysisISNUMBER is used for Data Analysis. Functions specifically designed for analyzing data Click to see all.
- Conditional LogicISNUMBER is used for Conditional Logic. Functions used for conditional calculations and logic operations Click to see all.
LEFT
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionSUM- Basic Arithmetic CalculationsSUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.
ISNUMBER- Number ValidationISNUMBER is known for Number Validation.
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
ISNUMBER- Used over 1 billion times daily
LEFT- Often paired with RIGHT
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionSUM- Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985
ISNUMBER- The bouncer of Excel functions - strictly checks IDs
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
ISNUMBER- NumberISNUMBER accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
- TextISNUMBER accepts Text as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for text manipulation Click to see all.
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
- Microsoft 365Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
SUM- Excel OnlineSUM is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
LEFT- 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 properlySUMISNUMBERLEFTRequired 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
ISNUMBER- TextISNUMBER accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
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
ISNUMBER- Fast ExecutionFunctions that process data quickly and efficiently
- Simple Syntax
- Reliable Results
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
ISNUMBER- Limited To Number CheckingFunctions restricted to verifying if values are numbers without additional capabilities Click to see all.
- Binary Output Only
- No Customization
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
COUNTA
Known for Count Non-Empty Cells
⚙
performs better than SUM
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum
🔢
needs fewer arguments than SUM
AVERAGE
Known for Basic Statistical Calculation
⚙
performs better 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