Formula Mystery

[pch2004]

Hi. I have a spreadsheet where I enter numbers in columns E to I.

I have some simple sums that are calculated in columns J and K. Cell J5's
formula is for example SUM(E5:G5). Cell K5's formula is for example
SUM(E5:I5).

So here is the really strange issue: as I enter data into cells E5, F5, G5,
H5, I5 (in that order), my formula in cell J5 changes magically to SUM(E5:I5)
-- with no warning whatsoever. What the heck is going on??

 

[Stefi]

Excel is trying to be more clever than you (as usual), and it supposes that
you forgot to involve cells H5 and I5 in your SUM formula. Use absolute
references [SUM($E5:$G5)] to avoid it!

Regards,
Stefi


„pch2004†ezt írta:

 

[MartinW]

Ahh Don't you just loove "helpful?" programmers

Try Tools>Options>Edit Tab
and uncheck 'Extend list formats and formulas'

That's in Excel 2000 it may be slightly different in later versions.

HTH
Martin

 

[pch2004]

I can't believe that someone thought it would be helpful to change my
formulas without consulting me first! I thought that I had some strange Excel
virus that was maliciously changing things...

Thanks very much for the help...it's in exactly the same spot in Excel 2003
and is now unchecked...problem solved!

 

[MartinW]

I too, am amazed by their conceit!

At least with this one one, they do allow us to turn it off, which
is better than some of their other annoying little helpers.

Cheers
Martin