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Q196723: WD97: SUM Formula Does Not Update Correctly

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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

  ---------------------------------------------------------
  |      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:

  {=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

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbualink97 kbfield kbformula word97 
Technology        : kbWordSearch kbWord97 kbWord97Search kbZNotKeyword2
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Issue type        : kbprb

=============================================================================

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