Python sum()

In this tutorial, we will learn about the Python sum() method with the help of examples.

The sum() function adds the items of an iterable and returns the sum.

Example

marks = [65, 71, 68, 74, 61]

# find sum of all marks
total_marks = sum(marks)
print(total_marks)

# Output: 339

1. sum() Syntax

The syntax of the sum() function is:

sum(iterable, start)

The sum() function adds start and items of the given iterable from left to right.

2. sum() Parameters

• iterable – iterable (list, tuple, dict, etc). The items of the iterable should be numbers.
• start (optional) – this value is added to the sum of items of the iterable. The default value of start is 0 (if omitted)

3. sum() Return Value

sum() returns the sum of start and items of the given iterable.

4. Example: Working of Python sum()

numbers = [2.5, 3, 4, -5]

# start parameter is not provided
numbers_sum = sum(numbers)
print(numbers_sum)

# start = 10
numbers_sum = sum(numbers, 10)
print(numbers_sum)

Output

4.5
14.5

If you need to add floating-point numbers with exact precision, then you should use math.fsum(iterable) instead.

If you need to concatenate items of the given iterable (items must be strings), then you can use the join() method.

'string'.join(sequence)

Visit this page to learn about, Python join() Method