Article: Q196723
Product(s): Word 97 for Windows
Version(s): WINDOWS:97
Operating System(s):
Keyword(s): kbualink97 kbfield kbformula word97
Last Modified: 14-NOV-2000
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The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
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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.
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| 1 | 2 | 3 | =SUM(LEFT) |
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| 1 | 2 | TEXT | =SUM(LEFT) |
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| 1 | TEXT | 3 | =SUM(LEFT) |
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The third row produces an incorrect result, as shown in the table below.
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| 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
---------------------------------------------------------
| 1 | 2 | TEXT | 3 |
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| 1 | TEXT | 3 | 3 |
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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
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Specify a range of cells in your formula, for example:
{=sum(a1:c1)}
Method 2
--------
Specify a series of cells in your formula, for example:
{=sum(a1,b1,c1)}
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
cell references
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
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Keywords : kbualink97 kbfield kbformula word97
Technology : kbWordSearch kbWord97 kbWord97Search kbZNotKeyword2
Version : WINDOWS:97
Issue type : kbprb
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