Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Summing Only Visible Values.
Kirk is using the SUM function in many of his worksheets to (naturally) determine the sum of a range of values. The problem he is running into, however, is that the range he is summing contains some hidden rows, and he doesn't want those values—the hidden ones—included in the sum.
The SUM function is pretty simplistic in how it does its work; it simply sums a range. You can change the function you use and get the desired results, however. For instance, let's assume that you want to sum the range of A3:A45, and that you don't want any hidden values to be included in the sum. You should use the SUBTOTAL function in the following manner:
=SUBTOTAL(109,A3:A45)
The first parameter of the function (109) indicates how you want SUBTOTAL to do its work. In this case, it means you want SUBTOTAL to sum the range, using the SUM function, and you don't want any hidden values included in the value returned. (You can find out more about the controlling SUBTOTAL parameters if you look in the online Help for the SUBTOTAL function.)
If you don't want to use the SUBTOTAL function for some reason, you can create your own user-defined function (a macro) that will only sum the visible values in a range. Consider this macro:
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: 
Function Sum_Visible(Cells_To_Sum As Object)
Dim vTotal As Variant
Application.Volatile
vTotal = 0
For Each cell In Cells_To_Sum
If Not cell.Rows.Hidden Then
If Not cell.Columns.Hidden Then
vTotal = vTotal + cell.Value
End If
End If
Next
Sum_Visible = vTotal
End Function
To use the function, simply use a formula like this wherever you want your sum to appear:
=Sum_Visible(A1:A1000)
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (12123) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Summing Only Visible Values.
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2015-08-27 15:13:06
Ken Sadeckas
Another alternative is to:
1. Highlight the range to sum
2. Press F5 (to open the Go To menu)
3. Select Special
4. Choose "Visible cells only"
5. Enter your formula using the Sum function and highlighting the range again
The result is =SUBTOTAL(9,XXX:YYY) which only includes visible cells.
2015-08-27 07:19:49
Nancy Harpe
Sometimes the easiest formulas save the most time! I agree with JoyM, I wish I knew this years ago. It's a keeper! Thanks Allen!
2015-03-10 02:21:21
Bishnu
Dear sir,
=Sum_Visible(A1:A1000)
The above formula is not working with Excel 2007.
I hope your great replay.
Thank you.
2012-09-18 09:40:33
JanL
I generally format my data in a table and use the Total Row function. Anytime you filter data, the subtotal is automatically changed. It really is a lifesaver!
2012-09-17 08:20:44
JoyM
I cannot count the number of times this would have come in handy over ther past 10 years!!
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