To calculate total pay using the SUMIF function, what should be referenced as the sum_range?

The sum_range in the SUMIF function is crucial because it specifies the actual values that you want to sum based on the criteria defined in the function. In this scenario, you want to calculate total pay, which means you should sum the values that represent pay amounts.

Since the Total Pay Field contains the specific values you aim to aggregate, it accurately serves as the sum_range. By design, the SUMIF function works by checking the criteria against a designated range (often used for criteria-based selections like employee names or specific conditions) and then summing the corresponding values from the sum_range where the criteria are met. Therefore, referencing the Total Pay Field ensures that you are summing the appropriate data relevant to calculating total compensation for the given criteria.