Math & Trig

SUMSQ Function in Excel

Returns the sum of the squares of the arguments.

Syntax

  • =SUMSQ(number1, [number2], ...)

Arguments

  • number1 (required): First number or range
  • number2 (optional): Additional numbers

Examples

  • =SUMSQ(3, 4) - Sum of squares - Result: 25
  • =SUMSQ(A1:A10) - Sum of squares of range - Result: Sum of x²

SUMSQ in reporting workflows

  • Use absolute references when copying formulas across rows.
  • For conditional totals see [SUMIF](/functions/sumif/) and [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/).
  • Filtered lists may need [SUBTOTAL](/functions/subtotal/) instead of SUM on visible cells only.

Common errors

  • Ignores text and logical values

Use cases

  • Distance calculations
  • Statistics
  • Pythagorean theorem

Frequently asked questions

  • What is SUMSQ used for? SUMSQ calculates the sum of squares: x₁² + x₂² + ... Used in Pythagorean theorem (SQRT(SUMSQ(3,4))=5), calculating distances, variance calculations, and many statistical formulas that require squared values.
  • How do I calculate Euclidean distance with SUMSQ? Distance = SQRT(SUMSQ(differences)). For points (x1,y1) and (x2,y2): =SQRT(SUMSQ(x2-x1, y2-y1)). For 3D: =SQRT(SUMSQ(x2-x1, y2-y1, z2-z1)). Works for any number of dimensions.
  • What is the difference between SUMSQ and SUMPRODUCT? SUMSQ squares each value then sums: a²+b²+c². SUMPRODUCT multiplies corresponding elements then sums: a1*b1+a2*b2. For squaring, SUMSQ(A1:A10) equals SUMPRODUCT(A1:A10, A1:A10).

Editorial review

  • Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.