XL97: Formulas Not Displayed Properly with Data Table in Sheet (193158)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q193158

SYMPTOMS

When you recalculate a worksheet that contains a Data Table, some formulas may appear to have calculated the wrong value.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the following conditions are true:

  • One or more cells on the worksheet contain a reference to a custom function. -and-

  • One or more of the arguments used in the custom function refer to cells that are also being used as input cells for a Data Table.

WORKAROUND

Use one of the following methods to work around the problem.

Method 1: Force Excel to Redraw the Worksheet

To work around the problem, you need to force Microsoft Excel to redraw the worksheet. The following steps illustrate one method that you can use to force Excel to redraw the worksheet.

  1. Press PAGE UP.
  2. Press PAGE DOWN.
All formulas will display the correct value.

Method 2: Make Your Custom Function Volatile

Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without warranty either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This article assumes that you are familiar with the programming language being demonstrated and the tools used to create and debug procedures. Microsoft support professionals can help explain the functionality of a particular procedure, but they will not modify these examples to provide added functionality or construct procedures to meet your specific needs. If you have limited programming experience, you may want to contact a Microsoft Certified Partner or the Microsoft fee-based consulting line at (800) 936-5200. For more information about Microsoft Certified Partners, please visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/partner/referral/

For more information about the support options that are available and about how to contact Microsoft, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

If you make your custom function volatile, this problem will not occur. To make your custom function volatile, add the following line of code to the function: 
   Application.Volatile
NOTE: If you make your custom function volatile, it will recalculate every time that you make a change to a value or recalculate an open workbook. This could have a negative impact on the performance of your worksheet model.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

Example of the Problem

To illustrate this problem, follow these steps:

  1. Close and save any open workbooks, and then open a new workbook.
  2. Start the Visual Basic Editor (press ALT+F11).
  3. On the Insert menu, click Module.
  4. Type the following code into the module sheet: 
           Function MyFunc(x As Integer, y As Integer) As Long
          MyFunc = x * y
       End Function
  5. Press ALT+F11 to return to Excel.
  6. Type the following formula in cell A1, and then press ENTER: 
           =MyFunc(B1,C1)
  7. Enter the following values into your worksheet:

    B1: 1 C1: 2

    The formula in cell A1 returns 2, which is the correct result.
  8. Type the following values into your worksheet:

    C3: =B1+C1 D3: 10 E3: 20
    C4: 5
    C5: 4
    C6: 3

  9. Select cells C3:E6, and then click Table on the Data menu.
  10. Type B1 in the Row Input Cell box. Type C1 in the Column Input Cell box. Click OK.

    A data table is created in cells C3:E6.

    The formula in cell A1 returns 40, which is incorrect.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/23/2005
Keywords:kbbug kbpending KB193158
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