How do you ensure the Cost column total uses specified criteria for expenses?

Using the DSUM function with a criteria range is an effective way to ensure that the total cost reflects specific conditions or criteria for expenses. The DSUM function allows users to sum a specified database column, in this case, the Cost column, based on defined criteria that pertain to the rows being considered.

By creating a criteria range, you can set specific conditions—such as filtering by date, expense type, or any other relevant category—ensuring that only the relevant expenses are included in the total. This tailored summation is particularly useful in financial modeling and budgeting when certain expenditures need to be analyzed separately or only selected expenses need to be totaled.

In contrast, setting a filter on the data range, while allowing for the display of specific subsets of data, does not provide a calculated total based on criteria. Creating a chart is more about visualization and does not perform calculations to derive a total. Utilizing conditional formatting serves to enhance data presentation and readability but does not directly affect numeric calculations in a column.