How Does Table-Formula Work ?

[Will Simmons]

Running Word 98 under OS 9.2.2 on a beige G3 with 352 MB Built-in memory.

When I use Table-Formula to insert a calculation, then highlight the result
and click Table-Formula, sometimes the window contains my formula,
allowing me to edit it, etc. When that happens and I check the Field Codes
box in Tools-Preferences-View (or hit Option-F9), the formula replaces the
result in the cell.

But, most times, when I highlight the cell result and click Table-Formula,
all that appears in the window is the = sign or (sometimes) "=SUM(ABOVE)",
i.e. a basic formula ready for insertion of appropriate cell designations.
When this happens, only the result appears in the cell window, whether or
not I check the "field codes" box in Tools-Preferences-View (or hit
Option-F9).

In short, most times, the formula that I enter in Table-Formula produces a
result in the cell, then disappears. To edit it, I must start from
scratch, i.Êe., insert the formula I think I entered, check the result
then, if necessary, insert a revised formula, etc. Is there a way to get
to the formula to remain in the cell. Or must I use Excel, and link or
embed the workbook, if I want to revise formulas easily ?

I have re-read the online Help, but found nothing. And, I have searched
this Group's Google archive in vain. So here I stand -- with much hope
(based on past experience here) and, of course, a TIA.

-- Will --

 

[R. Jones]

Hi Will-

It seems that you may have answered your own question, but I haven't worked
with '98 in a long time. What I believe is happening relates to the
statement;

when I highlight the cell result

By highlighting the content, I think Word may be assuming you want to
replace it with a new formula.

It may also vary depending on exactly on what is selected. I know I have
found that selecting relative to fields can be a challenge... similar to
selecting a para to include or NOT include the marker (eg., para borders can
go from margin to margin or just around para content). That might explain
the "sometimes" behavior you referred to.

HTH |:>)

 

[Shawn Larson [MSFT]]

Hi Will-

It seems that you may have answered your own question, but I haven't worked
with '98 in a long time. What I believe is happening relates to the
statement;

when I highlight the cell result

By highlighting the content, I think Word may be assuming you want to
replace it with a new formula.

It may also vary depending on exactly on what is selected. I know I have
found that selecting relative to fields can be a challenge... similar to
selecting a para to include or NOT include the marker (eg., para borders can
go from margin to margin or just around para content). That might explain
the "sometimes" behavior you referred to.

HTH |:>)

Will,
Table formulas work via Word's Field functionality, specifically the
'Formula' field. You will find this in the Insert, Field dialog as the
first listing "=(formula)". Now the syntax for Word formulas is very
similar to formulas in Excel, function names and cell references. A formula
to add up numbers in a Word table could be written in the following manner.
All would be equivalent:

* =SUM(ABOVE)
* =SUM(D15)
* =SUM(D1,D2,D3,D4,D5)

Since Word uses its Field functionality, the results will not be
automatically updated as they would be in Excel. To Œsee¹ a result, or to
have a Field produce a result, you want to have the cursor in the field and
press F9. You can also have the cursor in the field Right or Control Click
the mouse to bring up the short cut menu and choose Update Field.

To verify the formula you¹ve inserted, place the IP in the formula, then
press Shift+F9 or bring up the short cut menu and choose Toggle Field Codes.
Make sure the syntax is what you expected.

HTH,
Shawn Larson
M
Mac Word Test

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