When the SUM function encounters text in Excel, it can lead to unexpected results. Here are some ways to troubleshoot errors with text in the SUM function:

1. Identify Text Formatted Numbers:

* Look for apostrophes: Numbers with a leading apostrophe (') are treated as text by Excel. Check the cells you're summing for these apostrophes. They might be invisible formatting.
* Check cell formatting: Select the cells and look at the number format displayed in the ribbon. If it shows "Text" or a custom text format, you'll need to convert them to numbers.

2. Convert Text to Numbers:

* Copy & Paste Special: Select the text cells, copy them (Ctrl+C), right-click on the destination cell, choose "Paste Special" > "Values." This pastes only the numerical values.
* Use formula: In a separate cell, you can use a formula like `=VALUE(A1)` (replace A1 with your cell reference) to convert the text to a number. Then use this cell in your SUM function.
* Number format with coercion: Select the text cells, go to the "Number" format on the ribbon. Choose a number format that coerces text to numbers (e.g., General). Be cautious with this method; it might not work for all text formats.

3. Address Empty Cells:

Empty cells are included in the SUM function with a value of zero. Make sure there are no empty cells within the range you're summing. You can use the `SUMIF` function to exclude empty cells.

4. Check for Errors:

* #VALUE! error: This indicates an invalid argument for the SUM function. Double-check your cell references and ensure they point to valid data.
* #NUM! error: This might occur if you're summing text containing numbers that Excel can't interpret.

5. Consider Alternatives:

* SUMIFS or SUMPRODUCT: If you need more complex criteria for summing based on text conditions, explore `SUMIFS` or `SUMPRODUCT` functions.

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot errors caused by text in your SUM function and ensure accurate calculations in your Excel spreadsheet.