The invention relates to an adder for adding at least four bits of the same significance w, said adder having a first number of inputs for receiving the bits of the same significance w that are to be added and a number of outputs, the bits to be added being applied to the inputs in presorted form, and the adder adding the bits while taking account of the presorting. The invention also provides an adding device for adding at least four bits of equal significance and a corresponding method.