Article ID: 196723
Article Last Modified on 1/23/2007
APPLIES TO
- Microsoft Word 97 Standard Edition
This article was previously published under Q196723
SYMPTOMS
The SUM formula field may update incorrectly if text exists in a cell of a
row or column when using one of the following predefined formula fields:
=SUM(LEFT)
=SUM(RIGHT)
=SUM(BELOW)
=SUM(ABOVE)
In the following table, the first and second rows update correctly. If the
text is in a cell immediately adjacent to the formula, the calculation
updates correctly.
---------------------------------------------------------
| 1 | 2 | 3 | =SUM(LEFT) |
---------------------------------------------------------
| 1 | 2 | TEXT | =SUM(LEFT) |
---------------------------------------------------------
| 1 | TEXT | 3 | =SUM(LEFT) |
---------------------------------------------------------
The third row produces an incorrect result, as shown in the table
below.
---------------------------------------------------------
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
---------------------------------------------------------
| 1 | 2 | TEXT | 3 |
---------------------------------------------------------
| 1 | TEXT | 3 | 3 |
---------------------------------------------------------
CAUSE
By design, when the SUM function, using one of the predefined arguments
(LEFT, RIGHT, ABOVE, or BELOW), is interrupted by a text-filled cell in
the
table, it performs the calculation up to that point. When the text-filled
cell is immediately adjacent to the formula, the SUM function begins
looking at the figures on the other side of the text.
WORKAROUND
To work around this problem, use either of the following methods.
Method 1
Specify a range of cells in your formula, for example:
Method 2
Specify a series of cells in your formula, for example:
For more information about referencing cells in a table, click
Contents and Index on the
Help menu, click the
Index tab in Help, type the following text
and then double-click the selected text to go to the
"referencing cells in a table" topic. If you are unable to find the information you need, ask the Office Assistant.
Additional query words: formula expression incorrect calculate calculation
Keywords: kbfield kbformula kbprb kbualink97 KB196723