SUMIFS Function: how to make the "sum_range" argument as a non-fixed variable

Hi all,

I'm facing the following problem: I need to use the SUMIFS function to add data that meets specific chriteria from a database into one cell in another worksheet.

I was wondering if it's possible to turn the "sum_range" argument of that funcion into a variable, that is, something like "all the cells which are under the following title on the database: JANUARY 2013" or something like that.

The database includes data for "Current Year's January", "Current Year's February", "Current Year's March" and so forth. It also includes data for "Previous Year's Jan", "Previous Year's Feb", and so on. These are the column titles of the database.

In the sheet where the sumifs is supposed to be returned, I'd like to use the same titles on a row at the top, and make the range that's supposed to be summed up, that is, "sum_range", equal to "all the cells below that specific title, but on the database sheet". I imagine doing something involving the HLOOKUP function, but can't precisely figure out how.

If you need further explanation of the problem, please let me know.

Many thanks in advance,
Bruno

Sure, you can do that..

=SUMIF(A1:A100,"your criteria",INDEX(A1:Z100,0,MATCH("Specific Title",A1:Z1,0)))

Will find "your critaria" in column A, and sum corresonding values from the column that has "Specific Title" in Row 1.

Hope that helps.