Setting a Criteria in Sumifs

[Davidns]

I would like one of the criteria in my sumifs formula to reference a cell. I have discovered that if I enter, for example, A1, it works. But if I want the criteria to be not equal to A1 and I enter <>A1, Excel uses "A1" as the value, rather than as a cell reference.
What is the proper syntax to set a criteria to not equal a cell reference?
Thanks!

 

[fhqwgads]

try "<>A1"

EDIT: wait no nevermind that doesnt work

EDIT EDIT: ok try "<>"&A1

 

[Davidns]

Works like a charm. Thank you VERY much!!!