sum a List column

[Wendy_Farkas]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: Intel

I used a Gallery list to create an inventory of hardware and software purchases. But when I try to sum the expense column, I can't do it. What's the point of this template if you can't use standard spreadsheet functions on it.

Or am I just missing the obvious because of the new interface?

Any help would be appreciated.

Wendy

 

[CyberTaz]

Hi Wendy;

You just haven't quite gone far enough It's assumed that many lists
don't need to be calculated.

In View> Toolbars select List, make sure the cell selector is I the list,
then click the Total Row button on the bar. It will probably total (Sum)
only one column regardless of how many columns contain values, but you can
select any appropriate cell in the bottom row & choose the preferred summary
calculation from the list.

You might want to have a look at the course on List features available in
Excel Help entitled: Manage your lists by sorting, adding, and filtering

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Wendy_Farkas]

I can find no VIEW menu in Excel for the Mac 2008 (which I found odd). Do I have to customize the menu to make it appear?

W

 

[CyberTaz]

Well that's not right First thing we need to do is get that rectified.
You "shouldn't" have to customize it but for some reason I guess you will.

Control/Right-Click a docked toolbar & select Customize Toolbars & Menus,
then go to the Toolbars & Menus page in that dialog window. Click the *name*
of the Worksheet Menu Bar, then hit the Reset button. If that doesn't
correct it...

Go back to the same Customize dialog but the Commands page. Select Built-in
Menus from the Categories list, then drag the View command from the Commands
list to its rightful position between Edit & Insert to the application menu
toolbar which appears immediately beneath the main menu bar.

Post back with your results.

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Wendy_Farkas]

Now I have restored the View Menu (with your first suggestion). But when I am in the List I developed from the template, List is not an option in the Toolbar menu.

When I open a new workbook, List is in the Toolbar menu.

In either case, now when I try to return to the Customize Toolbars and Menus, that option is grayed out.

Whatever's going on, it's not a convenient way for me to manipulate my data.

 

[CyberTaz]

OK, I see where you're being faked out a little. Ledger Sheets are special &
sophisticated mechanism unlike regular worksheets. For the totaling go to
Insert> Column - Lists & add the appropriate Totals column for Cost or
Price. Once you do you'll get automatic running totaling for the items in
the list. You may want to spend a few minutes in Help on the topic:

Manage your finances with ledger sheets

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Wendy_Farkas]

Perhaps for someone new to spreadsheets, Ledger sheets are a value added feature - for me they were more trouble than they were worth.

I copied the data into a regular spreadsheet and am now just hunting for familiar tools and functionality in the new interface. Once I get up the learning curve, I'm sure productivity will return.

Thanks for your help, Bob.