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How to sum all the values in a dictionary?

python
generator-expressions
sum-function
python-optimization
Anton ShumikhinbyAnton ShumikhinΒ·Jan 24, 2025
⚑TLDR

The fastest way to sum all the values inside a dictionary is to use the combination of sum() function and values() method as below:

total = sum(my_dict.values())

Here, my_dict is your dictionary. Quick and efficient, just like a ninja!πŸ±β€πŸ‘€

Accommodating non-numeric data

When dealing with dictionaries having a diverse range of data types, not everything will be a number. Here's how you filter out non-numeric value types:

total = sum(value for value in my_dict.values() if isinstance(value, (int, float))) # Nifty, eh?

If Python 2 were the Avengers, itervalues() would be Iron Man. (Because Stark got us started off, remember?)

total = sum(my_dict.itervalues())

So for Python 2.x, remember to replace .values() with .itervalues(). Switching to Python 3.x? No need to worry, as Python 3.x is optimized and .values() works efficiently.

Generator Expressions as secret weapons

When the requirement gets fancy and conditions are involved, mixin' up all together may become your new secret weapon! Check this:

total = sum(value * 2 for value in my_dict.values() if value > 10) # Gotta love when code is also a riddle. 😎

This will double the sum provided the value > 10 matches ensuring you've a solution packed with punch!πŸ’ͺ

Utility function, a friend in need

Ever wished a transformer that morphs as per the version of Python you use? Here's how you can implement that:

import sys def sum_values(d): if sys.version_info[0] < 3: return sum(d.itervalues()) #Python 2.x unite else: return sum(d.values()) # Python 3.x, assemble! total = sum_values(my_dict) # Let's roll! πŸš€

Visualising the invisible

Imagine that keys are types of fruit and values are their quantities. Now let's put them in a fruit basket(🧺) like a dictionary.

🧺 = { '🍎': 3, '🍌': 2, 'πŸ‡': 5 }

Now, we combine all the fruits for a giant Fruit Party πŸ₯³ which represents the sum of all values:

total_fruits = sum(🧺.values())

Together they form a fruit salad (πŸ₯—) of 10 fruits.

πŸ₯— = 3 🍎 + 2 🍌 + 5 πŸ‡ = **10 fruits**

A perfect sum-mary with a little bit of zing and zest of Python. 🍹

The art of handling diverse scenarios

Filtering values, the precise way

Filtering only the numeric values for the sum? There's a Pythonic way to do it:

total = sum(value for value in my_dict.values() if isinstance(value, (int, float))) # Python skips what it doesn't like.

Nested troubles, sorted!

Is your dictionary a bit too nested? Here's how you sum everything up even if there are nested lists:

total = sum(sum(nested) if isinstance(nested, list) else nested for nested in my_dict.values()) # Tadaa! ✨

Zero trouble with zeros

An empty dictionary or one with zero values will result in 0, just the way it should:

empty_dict = {} total = sum(empty_dict.values()) # Well, duh. It's empty.

Tuning performance insights

The simplicity of sum(d.values()) isn't just aesthetics, its high performance makes it a winner against loop-based competition:

  • Python does a quick implementation using sum().
  • Generator expressions leave memory footprints of a cat, very light compared to list comprehension.
  • It directly calls Python’s built-in sum, which skips the loop queue.

Efficiency and clarity remain at the heart of Python code.