Compact mode

SUM vs MAX vs SUBTOTAL

Table of content

Basic Classification Comparison
Usage Context Comparison
Basic Information Comparison
History Comparison
Facts Comparison

Usage Information Comparison
Technical Details Comparison
Evaluation Comparison
Ratings Comparison

Basic Classification Comparison

Function Category 📊

Primary classification of the Excel function based on its main purpose and usage domain, helps users quickly identify function types

For all*

Mathematical

Excel functions for performing mathematical calculations
Operation Type 🔧

Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputs

SUM

Calculation

SUM performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations

MAX

Calculation

MAX performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations

SUBTOTAL

Aggregation

SUBTOTAL performs Aggregation operations. Excel functions for combining and summarizing data Click to see all.

Usage Context Comparison

For whom 👥

Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel function

For all*

Data Analysts

Excel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation

SUM

Business Managers

SUM is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.

MAX

Scientists

MAX is designed for Scientists. Excel functions used in scientific calculations and research Click to see all.

SUBTOTAL

Accountants

SUBTOTAL is designed for Accountants. Excel functions commonly used by accountants for financial tracking and reporting Click to see all.
Purpose 📝

Primary purposes and use cases of the Excel function

For all*

Data Analysis

Functions specifically designed for analyzing data

SUM

Data Aggregation

SUM is used for Data Aggregation. Functions for combining and summarizing data Click to see all.

SUBTOTAL

Data Aggregation

SUBTOTAL is used for Data Aggregation. Functions for combining and summarizing data Click to see all.

Basic Information Comparison

Known For ⭐

Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel function

SUM

Basic Arithmetic Calculations

SUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.

MAX

Finding Highest Value

MAX is known for Finding Highest Value.

SUBTOTAL

Filtered Data Calculations

SUBTOTAL is known for Filtered Data Calculations.

History Comparison

Creation Date 📅

Original release date of the Excel function

SUM

Excel 2.0

SUM was created in Excel 2.0. Functions introduced in the Excel 2.0 version release Click to see all.

MAX

Excel 2.0

MAX was created in Excel 2.0. Functions introduced in the Excel 2.0 version release Click to see all.

SUBTOTAL

Excel 97

SUBTOTAL was created in Excel 97. Functions first available in Excel 97 version Click to see all.
Created By 👤

Organization or team responsible for developing the function

For all*

Microsoft Excel Team

Functions officially created by the Microsoft Excel development team

Facts Comparison

Interesting Fact 💡

Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function

SUM

Most commonly used function in Excel

MAX

Works with arrays since Excel inception

SUBTOTAL

Can Perform 11 Different Operations
Sarcastic Fact 🤣

Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function

SUM

Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985

MAX

The function that always looks at the bright side of numbers

SUBTOTAL

The Swiss Army Knife of Excel Functions

Usage Information Comparison

Formula Complexity Level 📖

Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectively

SUM

Simple

SUM has a Simple complexity level. Basic Excel functions for common calculations and tasks Click to see all.

MAX

Simple

MAX has a Simple complexity level. Basic Excel functions for common calculations and tasks Click to see all.

SUBTOTAL

Intermediate

SUBTOTAL has a Intermediate complexity level. Excel functions with moderate complexity for various tasks Click to see all.

Technical Details Comparison

Input Data Type 📝

Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parameters

For all*

Number

Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations

SUBTOTAL

Array

SUBTOTAL accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
Version Compatibility 💻

Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.

For all*

Excel 2019

Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version

Excel 2016

Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version

SUM

Excel 2013

SUM is compatible with Excel 2013 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version

Microsoft 365

SUM is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform

Excel Online

SUM 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 platforms

For all*

Windows

Excel functions optimized for Windows operating system

MacOS

Excel functions optimized for MacOS users

SUM

Web Excel

SUM runs on Web Excel Excel functions available in web-based versions

MAX

Web Excel

MAX runs on Web Excel Excel functions available in web-based versions
Required Arguments Count 🔢

Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properly

SUM

1

SUM needs 1 required arguments Click to see all.

MAX

1

MAX needs 1 required arguments Click to see all.

SUBTOTAL

2

SUBTOTAL needs 2 required arguments Click to see all.
Required Arguments Type 📊

The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the function

For all*

Number

Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs

Array

Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations

SUM

Range

SUM accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations

Evaluation Comparison

Pros ✅

Key advantages and strengths of the Excel function

SUM

Easy To Use

Widely Recognized

Versatile

Fast Calculation

MAX

Simple To Use

Versatile

SUBTOTAL

Ignores Hidden Rows

Multiple Functions
Cons ❌

Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel function

SUM

Limited To Numbers Only

Cannot Handle Text

No Text Handling

MAX

Cannot Ignore Text Values

Limited To Numbers

Functions that can only process numerical values and cannot handle text or dates Click to see all.

SUBTOTAL

Function Code Memorization

Limited Operations