The SUMIFS function in excel is very versatile and can be used to add values based on multiple criteria. You can use it to sum values within a certain range, or you can use it to sum values based on multiple criteria.

To use the SUMIFS function, you need to specify the range of cells that you want to sum and then as many criteria as you need to filter on. For example, the formula =SUMIFS(D5:D9, “Electronics”, F5:F9) sums only the values in column D where the corresponding cells in column F contain the text “Electronics”.

Given the flexibility and clearer syntax, many prefer to use the SUMIFS function even when using only one criteria.