Adding numbers in a table with text fields

[Zonkeraz]

I have a Table in Word 2002 that has text fields for entering values. I want
to enter a SUM formulaat the bottom of the table to add the values. The
formula does not work correctly. I tested it by entering the value "1" in
each text field. Instead of having the SUM formula show 1..2..3..4..5 as I
enter each "1", it shows 1..3..6..10..16. Each time I tab or move between
the text fields, the formula changes the value, whether I enter a number in
the text field or not.

What am I doing wrong?

 

[Doug Robbins - Word MVP]

What formula are you using?

--
Hope this helps.

Please reply to the newsgroup unless you wish to avail yourself of my
services on a paid consulting basis.

Doug Robbins - Word MVP

 

[Zonkeraz]

I tried various iterations of the =SUM formula. For example:
=SUM(b1:b5)
+b1+b2+b3+b4+b5

All of the variations reacted the same way when I entered numbers.

 

[Doug Robbins - Word MVP]

Are the formfields in b1 through b5 used for text input or are they
themselves the result of a calculation of numbers entered into other
formfields.

I cannot replicate your problem either using =Sum(b1:b5), =Sum(above) or
=b1+b2+b3+b4+b5 when entering data directly into the formfields in those
cells.

--
Hope this helps.

Please reply to the newsgroup unless you wish to avail yourself of my
services on a paid consulting basis.

Doug Robbins - Word MVP

 

[Zonkeraz]

They are "Text Form Fields" that I will just enter numerical values, they are
not formulas themselves.

I think I have partially solved the problem. I went into the "Properties"
of the text fields and made sure the "type" is set to "number". I then
unchecked the "calculate on exit" box. This seemed to work because when I
typed in the value "1" in each text field, the formula worked correctly and I
got "5" as my answer.

One problem remains: When I go back to clear the text fields, the formula
still shows a value of "5", not "0" like I want it to. When I put in new
numbers in the text fields, they get added to the "5".

How do I get the formula to return to a value of "0" when the text fields
are emptied?

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

The way this works is that you create a text form field for each number that
contributes to the calculation. You check "Calculate on exit" for that
field. This guarantees that the calculation field will be correct. For the
rest, see “WD2000: Calculation in Form Field Shows Wrong Result†at
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=211253

 

[Zonkeraz]

Suzanne,

Thanks for your feedback. I formatted the table just as you discussed and
it still would not work. Out of desperation I decided to delete the entire
table and recreate it. When I did that, everything worked as you said it
would. Evidently there was some quirky formatting miscue in the original
that I could not find to correct.

Bottom line is that the table works properly now. Thanks again!

Zonkeraz

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Sometimes the mysteries of Word are too great for mortals to comprehend.