WPS SUBTOTAL helps you return subtotal results for list or database data in spreadsheets; this guide covers 3 core tasks, with 3 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|
| Core tasks | 3 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 3 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index |
About This Feature
Overview
SUBTOTAL is a spreadsheet function in WPS that returns subtotal results for list or database data. You can insert it from the Insert Function dialog box or type the formula directly in a cell or in the formula bar. After entering the function, you can also review the syntax and parameter details to confirm the function_num value, reference ranges, and how hidden data is handled.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|
| Operating system | A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally |
| App version | It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office |
| Network | No mandatory internet connection is required for local formula entry and calculation; internet access is needed for online help or downloads |
| Other | WPS Office must be installed, and you need to be able to open a WPS Spreadsheet file |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Check after installation | Open WPS Office, then open a spreadsheet file and confirm that the Formulas tab and formula bar are available |
Source: WPS Download Center
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Google | Notion | Adobe |
|---|
| Capability Summary | Supports the SUBTOTAL function in WPS Spreadsheet to return subtotal results for list or database data, with entry through Insert Function or direct formula input. | Excel provides SUBTOTAL(function_num, ref1, [ref2], …) and documents different function codes, including options that include or ignore manually hidden rows. | Google Sheets provides SUBTOTAL(function_code, range1, [range2, ...]) for subtotal calculations on vertical ranges and notes that filtered-out cells are excluded. | Notion provides formulas for database properties, built-ins, and functions, but it is not a cell-based spreadsheet SUBTOTAL equivalent. | Acrobat supports calculated PDF form fields with predefined calculations such as sum, product, average, minimum, and maximum for form workflows. |
| WPS Advantages | Advantage: You can enter SUBTOTAL directly in a worksheet cell or from the Insert Function dialog. Distinct: It fits spreadsheet subtotal learning and day-to-day worksheet calculations. | Compared with WPS: Excel documents more detailed behavior for codes 1-11 and 101-111, especially for manually hidden rows. | Compared with WPS: Google Sheets supports similar subtotal logic, but its guidance is centered on web-based sheets and filtered ranges. | Compared with WPS: Notion formulas are designed for database properties rather than direct worksheet cell formulas. | Compared with WPS: Adobe calculation tools are designed for PDF form fields instead of general spreadsheet formula entry. |
| Official Source | — | SUBTOTAL function | SUBTOTAL function | Intro to formulas | Configure form field calculations in Acrobat |
Overall Conclusion
WPS provides a direct spreadsheet workflow for entering and reviewing the SUBTOTAL function on Windows. If your main task is worksheet-based subtotal calculation, parameter review, and routine data summaries, WPS offers a straightforward path. If your work is centered on database properties or PDF form calculations, Notion and Adobe serve different product scenarios.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable for | Main challenge | How WPS helps |
|---|
| 1 | Sales data summaries | Sales teams, operations teams | Need to summarize filtered or grouped data quickly | Use SUBTOTAL to calculate sums, averages, and other results for selected ranges |
| 2 | Financial detail checks | Finance staff, bookkeepers | Large detail tables are hard to verify row by row | Insert SUBTOTAL and review the parameter range before confirming the formula |
| 3 | Learning spreadsheet functions | Students, new office users | Need help understanding syntax and parameters | Review syntax and parameter prompts in the function dialog box |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free users | WPS Premium |
|---|
| Entering and calculating the SUBTOTAL function | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Basic spreadsheet editing | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Additional premium features | Use the free scope shown on the product page | Access more advanced features included in the subscription plan |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Scenario | Recommended plan | Why |
|---|
| Everyday function learning and basic subtotal work | Free | The SUBTOTAL function itself is available for regular spreadsheet calculations |
| Broader advanced office needs | WPS Premium | Suitable if you also need more advanced features, templates, or extended capabilities |
How to Subscribe
Source: WPS Office pricing page
