How do you sum a column in Python

Performing calculations on the stored data in CSV files is one the actions you perform many times in Python. Finding the sum of any or specific column is very common in a CSV file. This article will explain that how do you sum a column in Python without using the pandas library that is very popular.

Keywords: Getting the sum of a csv column without pandas in Python, How do you sum a column in Python, how to sum a csv column in python without pandas

Introduction

Use CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files to save data in tabular form. They contain rows and columns and a comma separates them. There are many libraries in Python like pandas which have useful tools for data analysis and manipulation. But external libraries may be more useful due to the fact that they are not heavy.

The Code Explained

Look at the example of Python code to calculate the sum of any column in CSV file:

				
					import csv

# File path
file_path = 'csvfile.csv'

# Initialize total sum variable
total_sum = 0

# Open the CSV file
with open(file_path, mode='r') as file:
    reader = csv.reader(file)
    
    # Skip the header row
    next(reader)
    
    # Loop through each row
    for row in reader:
        try:
            total_sum += float(row[0])  # Sum the value in the first column
        except ValueError:
            print(f"Invalid value found: {row[0]}. Skipping.")

print("Sum of values in the first column:", total_sum)

Step-by-Step Explanation

1- Importing the csv Module

For coding, ‘import csv’ module. It provides functions to provide reading and writing help.

2- Defining File Path and Initializing Sum:

‘file_path’ variables carries the CSV file path you wish to use. This also initializes the ‘total_sum’ variable for storing the sum of column values.

3- Opening the CSV File:

‘With’ statement opens CSV file that is specified by ‘file_path’ in read mode. It closed once you exit the block.

4- Creating a CSV Reader:

The ‘csv.reader()’ function create a CSV reader object called ‘reader’. This object iterate through the rows of the CSV file.

5- Skipping the Header Row:

To skip the first row of the CSV file that has headers only, use the ‘next(reader)’ command.

6- Looping Through Rows:

The code will go inside a loop that iterates each row in the CSV file using the ‘reader’ object.

7- Calculating the Sum:

In the loop, the code convert the value in the first column of the current row to float number using ‘float(row[0])’. Then values is added to ‘total_sum’ successfully.

8- Handling Invalid Values:

If it fails to convert a non-numeric value, a ‘ValueError’ exception is caught. And it shows an error message that indicates the invalid value and continues the next row.

9- Printing the Result:

Code finally prints the total sum of the values in the first column after processing all rows.

How to sum row from csv file in Python

If you want to sum a csv row then check out this post: It is complete tutorial about how to sum row from csv file in Python.

Conclusion

We learn that we can use the summing up function in CSV files without using the pandas library in Python. The built-in ‘csv’ module provides a simple approach for it. so , manipulate your data by using the described steps for better understanding and use of data in Python.

You can read these posts also:

How do you sum a column in Python

Introduction

The Code Explained

How to sum row from csv file in Python

Conclusion

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