What is the result of using the SUM function with the range A1:A10?

Using the SUM function with the range A1:A10 calculates the total of all the numeric values found in the specified range of cells. The SUM function is designed specifically to add up numbers, so when applied to a series of cells like A1 through A10, it effectively adds together the contents of each cell within that range.

For example, if A1 contains 5, A2 contains 10, and A3 contains 15, the function =SUM(A1:A10) would return 30, assuming all other cells in that range are empty or contain zero. This distinguishes it from other functions mentioned in the choices, which perform different calculations—such as averaging, counting, or finding the maximum value—none of which involves merely summing the values. Thus, the answer that states it produces the total of the values in cells A1 through A10 is correct.