XL98: Some Worksheet Functions Do Not Allow Array Constants (192222)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition

This article was previously published under Q192222

For a Microsoft Excel 97 and later version of this article, see 192222.

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition, you may receive one of the following error messages if you insert an array constant (such as {1,2}) into a SUMIF(), COUNTIF(), or COUNTBLANK() function:

Error in formula.

-or-

The formula you typed contains an error.

For example, you receive an error message if you use this function as in the following example:

=SUMIF({1,2},2,{1,1})

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the SUMIF(), COUNTIF(), and COUNTBLANK() functions use the same criteria-matching algorithm as the database functions, such as DSUM(). This algorithm does not support arrays.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use either of the following methods to enter the array.

Method 1

To use the constants in a range reference, use a formula similar to the following:

=SUMIF(A1:A2,2,B1:B2)

Method 2

To use the SUM(IF()) function to enter the array, use a formula similar to the following:

=SUM(IF({1,2}=2,{1,1}))

NOTE: You must enter this formula as an array formula. To enter a formula as an array formula, press COMMAND+RETURN.

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	9/11/2002
Keywords:	kbprb KB192222