SUMPRODUCT Function with Examples in LibreOffice Calc

This tutorial explains how to perform SUMPRODUCT in LibreOffice Calc.

SUMPRODUCT returns the sum of products of corresponding array elements. For example, if you perform SUMPRODUCT in the below example table –

=SUMPRODUCT(B2:B5,C2:C5)

It would return the result of (B2*C2+B3*C3+B4*C4+B5*C5).

I.e.

The result would be (10*100+20*200+17*150+11*50) = 8100

This is the basic working principle of SUMPRODUCT, which you can use for various needs. Here are some features/tricks of SUMPRODUCT.

More Examples

Same Size Array

SUMPRODUCT arrays need to be of the same size. Otherwise, Calc would give #VALUE! Error. For example, if you change the formula to C2:C4, it will give you the below error.

Limits

LibreOffice Calc can provide SUMPRODUCT with up to 30 arrays.

Non-Numeric or alpha Values

If your ranges have non-numeric values, Calc considers them 0 and carries on with the SUMPRODUCT.

Single Range

SUMPRODUCT behaves like SUM if only array/range is provided as below.

Advanced Usage of SUMPRODUCT

Count Items Using SUMPRODUCT in a Range

It is possible to achieve certain COUNTIF function results using SUMPRODUCT. For example, if you want to count a specific string in a range of cells using SUMPRODUCT, do the below.

=SUMPRODUCT(--(A1:A7="galaxy"))

The above formula breaks down to an array:

{FALSE;FALSE;TRUE;FALSE;FALSE;TRUE;FALSE}

The double negative forces it to become:

{0;0;1;0;0;1;0}

SUMPRODUCT uses this array to sum and shows the count = 2.

You can use other wild cards (e.g. “?”) characters to achieve different results, as explained in this tutorial.

Sum of all cells’ length

By combining LEN() function and SUMPRODUCT, you can find out the total length of a range of cells.

Conclusion

SUMPRODUCT is a powerful function and can be utilized in various ways. It can reduce the complications of using COUNTIF in certain cases and achieve identical results.

Drop a comment if this article helped you or if you have any questions.