Python sum()

The sum() function takes in an iterable object, such as a list or tuple, and returns the sum of all elements.

Syntax

sum(iterable, start = 0)

• iterable: An object capable of returning its elements one at a time such as a list, tuple, or dictionary.
• start: A number added to the sum of the numbers in the iterable.

Example 1

Summing up the elements of a list:

numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

total = sum(numbers)

print(total)

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This example results in the following output:

15

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Example 2

Summing up the elements of a tuple:

prices = (10.99, 5.99, 8.49)

total = sum(prices)

print(total)

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This example results in the following output:

25.47

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Example 3

Using the start parameter to specify an initial value for the sum:

numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

total = sum(numbers, 10)

print(total)

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This example results in the following output:

25

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Codebyte Example

Summing up a list of lists (concatenation):

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Note: The sum() function works with any iterable object that contains numbers or elements that can be added together.