Question (issue) with SUMIF function in Excel 2013

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In the attached spreadsheet, the SUMIF function in cell G1514 is giving me fits. If the criteria is met, it should sum range I5:I1504. Initially, I mistakenly entered the beginning range as I4 instead of I5. The cell I4 is my column header entitled “Fuel”. Here’s where it gets interesting…
When I correct the range to begin with cell I5 instead of I4, my total changes. Why would my totals change if I4 is a text field? Furthermore, if I try to break the function by beginning the range with cells I3 or I2 (…which are blank cells), the totals change even more.
Why is Excel recognizing blank and text fields in the SUMIF function as tangible numbers??
Thanks in advance for any help you can give.
Sincerely,
Russ

[FDibbins]

1st, you need to keep your rages the same...
you had this...
=SUMIF(B5:B1504,B1504,I4:I1504)
You should have this...
=SUMIF(B4:B1504,B1504,I4:I1504)

I ran the calc manually, and I get $35,791

[TMS]

Generally, both ranges in a SUMIF function have the same number of cells.

This doesn't ...

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I suspect it's getting confused.


Regards, TMS

[TMS]

@Ford: I think he should have this.

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But, same difference ... total is the same as you get.


Regards, TMS

[FDibbins]

Yup, row 4 included the heading, row 5 does not - should not affect the answer