How to Use the DSUM Function in WPS on Windows

Use DSUM through 4 how-to topics, including entering the function, filling in parameters, fixing formula errors, and checking results; all 4 topics are available without membership and 0 are membership-related.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter the DSUM function

Entry: Formulas tab → formula bar

1. Open WPS Spreadsheets and select the cell where you want the result to appear.
2. Type = in the formula bar or directly in the cell.
3. Type DSUM(.
4. Confirm that the syntax prompt appears.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The function syntax prompt appears after you type DSUM(.
• Next action available: You can continue entering the database range, field, and criteria range.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you do not type = first, the content may be treated as plain text.
• Environment note: Enter the formula in an editable spreadsheet cell.

2. Fill in parameters from the prompt

Entry: Formulas tab → formula bar

1. Follow the syntax prompt after DSUM( and enter the required parameters.
2. Select or type the correct database range.
3. Specify the field to sum.
4. Set the criteria range, close the parenthesis, and press Enter.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The cell returns a calculation result.
• Next action available: You can edit the parameters and recalculate if needed.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Incomplete parameters, incorrect separators, or mismatched field names can cause calculation problems.
• Environment note: The criteria range should match the field structure of the data table.

3. Fix formula errors

Entry: Select the error cell → formula bar

1. Click the cell that shows the error.
2. Check whether the parentheses are correctly paired.
3. Check whether the parameter types, count, and separators are correct.
4. Use the syntax prompt to revise the formula and confirm it again.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The error indication disappears, or the formula returns to an editable state with a valid result.
• Next action available: You can re-enter or adjust the parameters.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Missing commas or unmatched parentheses can trigger formula errors.
• Environment note: Incorrect field references or criteria ranges can also affect the result.

4. Check and refresh calculation results

Entry: Result cell / keyboard shortcut

1. Check whether the referenced cells use the correct data format.
2. Confirm that there is no circular reference.
3. After data changes, check whether the result updates automatically.
4. If needed, press F9 to recalculate manually.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The result matches the current data.
• Next action available: You can continue editing the source data and monitor updated totals.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Numbers stored as text can cause incorrect totals.
• Environment note: Manual recalculation depends on the keyboard shortcut working normally.