Microsoft KB Archive/212070

= WD2000: SUM Formula Does Not Update Correctly =

Article ID: 212070

Article Last Modified on 11/25/2002

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Word 2000 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q212070





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) }

For example, in the following table

the calculation field result in the first and second rows updates correctly. However, if text is in a cell that splits the values that are being calculated, the calculation updates incorrectly. For example, the third row produces an incorrect result, as shown in the table below.



CAUSE
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
Specify a range of cells in your formula, for example: {=sum(a1:c1)}

Method 2: Specify a Series of Cells
Specify a series of cells in your formula, for example: {=sum(a1,b1,c1)}

