Abstract 2+We present a methodology for the use of sulphur as global metallicity tracer in galaxies, allowing performing a complete abundance analysis using only the red-to-near-infrared spectral region. We have applied it to a compilation of high-quality data split into two samples: H ii regions (DHR) in spiral and irregular galaxies, and dwarf galaxies dominated by a strong starburst (H ii Gal). Sulphur abundances have been derived by direct methods under the assumption of an ionization structure composed of two zones: an intermediate-ionization one where S++ is originated, and a low-ionization one where S+ is formed. Ionization correction factors (ICF) have been calculated from the Ar/Ar3+ ratio and are shown to correlate with the hardness of the radiation field. Only about 10 per cent of the objects show S3+ contributions to the total abundance larger than 30 per cent. A good correlation exists between sulphur abundance and ionizing temperature with low-metallicity objects being ionized by hotter stars. No correlation is found between ionization parameter and total S/H abundance. Most of the H ii Gal objects show S/O ratios below the solar value and a trend for increasing S/O ratios with increasing sulphur abundances, while DHR objects show S/O ratios larger than solar and a tendency for lower S/O ratios for higher metallicities. Finally, we present a calibration of the sulphur abundance through the S23 parameter that remains single valued up to sulphur abundances well beyond the solar value. S23 is independent of the ionization parameter and only weakly dependent on ionizing temperature.