Sum Formula Changes Unexpectedly

[Alan Quirt]

I have a very simple spreadsheet which includes 5 numeric (currency)
columns, a 6th numeric (non-currency) column, and a 7th column that sums
the first 5 columns.

As I enter values into the 5 currency columns (one by one, using Tab key
after each entry), the Total column shows the correct total and its
formula remains exactly as I entered it. Then when I enter a number into
the 6th column, Excel changes the formula in the Totals column to
include the 6th column in the total. I can correct the formula manually,
but every time I enter a new value in the 6th column the formula for
that row is modified.

I suspect that this is some sort of automatic formula builder that has
run amok. I want to turn off this disastrous "feature" but don't know
what preference to fix.

 

[J.E. McGimpsey]

I have a very simple spreadsheet which includes 5 numeric (currency)
columns, a 6th numeric (non-currency) column, and a 7th column that sums
the first 5 columns.

As I enter values into the 5 currency columns (one by one, using Tab key
after each entry), the Total column shows the correct total and its
formula remains exactly as I entered it. Then when I enter a number into
the 6th column, Excel changes the formula in the Totals column to
include the 6th column in the total. I can correct the formula manually,
but every time I enter a new value in the 6th column the formula for
that row is modified.

I suspect that this is some sort of automatic formula builder that has
run amok. I want to turn off this disastrous "feature" but don't know
what preference to fix.

You don't say what version of XL you're using, but if it's v.X, try
choosing Preferences/Edit and uncheck the Extend list formats and
formulas checkbox.

 

[Alan Quirt]

You don't say what version of XL you're using, but if it's v.X, try
choosing Preferences/Edit and uncheck the Extend list formats and
formulas checkbox.

Yes, it is Excel v.x. That was exactly what I needed. THANKS for this
fix. Like many defaults in Office that are intended to be helpful, it
had disastrous side effects.