How do I make a formula that is conditional

[dberijr]

I am creating an excel file for employees to enter their time. I want to have a formula set up that will automatically total the number of hours spent on specific project categories. For example, cell C6 is a drop down list having multiple categories to choose from. Cell D6 is the total number of hours spent on that project. Cell C7 is a drop down list and D7 is the total number of hours, etc... How do I create a formula that will total only the total number of hours for a specific category selected in the drop down list?

For Example:
Totals hours spent on administration: =D7 if C7 = administration

I don't know if this is possible, but I hope so! If I'm confusing, I apologize because I'm not well versed in computer terminology.

Thanks,

 

[Andrew Poulsom]

If the categories are in column A and the hours are in column B:

=SUMIF(A:A,C7,B:B)