XL: Some Worksheet Functions Do Not Allow Array Constants (214286)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 2000
Microsoft Excel 2002
Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

This article was previously published under Q214286

For a Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition version of this article, see 192222.

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, 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 in the manner of the following example:

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

CAUSE

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

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, 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 in Microsoft Excel for Windows, press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER.

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	5/28/2003
Keywords:	kberrmsg kbnofix kbprb KB214286