WD2000: Plus Sign Causes Incorrect Result in Formula (211716)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2000
This article was previously published under Q211716

SYMPTOMS

When you calculate the sum of a series of cells that contain numbers preceded by a plus (+) sign, the result is incorrectly shown as the sum of the negative numbers contained in the series or may be shown as zero when each of the numbers in the series is preceded by a plus sign.

-or-

When you calculate the average of a series of cells that contain numbers preceded by a plus (+) sign, the result is incorrectly shown as the average of the negative numbers or may be shown as "0.0" when each of the numbers in the series is preceded by a plus sign.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, do one of the following:

Method 1: Remove the Plus Signs

The plus sign is not required by Word to identify the number as positive.

Method 2: Move the Plus Signs to a New Column

Add a column to your table, move the plus signs to the new column, and then update the formula field.

NOTE: Do not move the negative signs to the new column, or your formula field result will be incorrect.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

211255 WD2000: How to Set Up a Table as a Worksheet in Word

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/6/2000
Keywords:kbbug kbfield kbformula KB211716
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