# How to use SQL SUM

SQL `SUM` is one of SQL’s aggregate functions. It enables you to **add values from selected tables and columns**, which can help you perform important functions and reduce the work involved in handling complex data sets.

## What is SQL `SUM`?

Performing calculations with records is one of the most important tasks for database admins who work with [SQL](https://www.ionos.com/en-ie/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-sql/). That makes SQL `SUM` an indispensable tool for data aggregations like calculating sales, determining trends and data patterns, and creating reports and analyses.

SQL `SUM` **calculates the sum** of records and returns it in a result table. When combined with SQL operators, SQL commands and other aggregate functions like `MIN`, `MAX` and `AVG`, it can be used to carry out complex calculations.

Tip You don’t need a lot of background knowledge to get started with SQL! Our [SQL introduction with examples](https://www.ionos.com/en-ie/digitalguide/server/configuration/sql-introduction-with-examples/) helps you get a handle on the basics.

## What is the syntax of SQL `SUM`?

The basic syntax of SQL `SUM` looks as follows:

```sql
SELECT  SUM(ColumnA)
FROM  TableA;
```

It uses the following parameters:

- `SELECT`: SQL SELECT specifies the columns whose values you want to add up.
- `SUM`: Directly follows `SELECT` and specifies that you want to take the sum of the indicated column. If you combine `SUM(ColumnA)` with `AS` you can name the column for the added up values in the results table.
- `WHERE`: If you add an SQL WHERE clause, you can specify conditions for which values will be added. SQL HAVING, [SQL SELECT DISTINCT](https://www.ionos.com/en-ie/digitalguide/server/configuration/sql-select-distinct/) and SQL CASE can also be used to limit which values are added.

## What is `SUM` used for?

SQL `SUM` is an indispensable aggregate function in SQL. It’s used wherever **values, sets and other information needs to be analysed or calculated**. Some common use cases for it include:

- Calculating and analysing sales or the performance of a company, project or campaign
- Calculating the average value of shopping baskets, ratings, sales or conversions
- Evaluating transactions, accounts or bank transfer amounts
- Calculating production volume, inventory and delivery quantities

## Examples of SQL `SUM`

Below we’ll look at three examples that show how SQL `SUM` works.

### Calculating inventory

In this example we’ll determine **how many products are currently in stock** using the columns ‘Quantity’ and ‘ProductNames’ from a table called ‘Products’. We’ll use the keyword `AS` to show the inventory as its own column in the target table. We’ll use a `WHERE` clause to specify which product you want to determine the inventory for.

The code looks as follows:

```sql
SELECT  SUM(Quantity)  AS  Inventory
FROM  Products
WHERE  ProductName  =  'ProductName1';
```

### Sales by region

In this example, we’ll calculate and group sales by city using the columns ‘Price’ and ‘City’ in a table called ‘Orders’.

The code looks as follows:

```sql
SELECT   City,  SUM(Price)  AS Sales
FROM  Orders
GROUP BY  City;
```

### Determining total salaries by department

In this example, we want to calculate and group the total salaries per department. We’ll use the columns ‘Name’, ‘Salary’ and ‘Department’ from a table called ‘Employees’. The code looks as follows:

```sql
SELECT   Department,  SUM(Salary)  AS Total_salary
FROM  Employees
GROUP BY  Department;
```

## What are the alternatives to SQL `SUM`?

In addition to SQL `SUM`, there are a few other functions for performing calculations of records and numerical values:

- `AVG`: SQL AVG allows you to calculate the average value of columns.
- `COUNT`: SQL COUNT counts the number of records or rows in a table or column.
- `MIN` und `MAX`: SQL MIN AND MAX determine the smallest and largest values in the selected records.


This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/en-ie/digitalguide/server/configuration/sql-sum/](https://www.ionos.com/en-ie/digitalguide/server/configuration/sql-sum/) for AI/LLM consumption.