WD2000: Incorrect Formula Results Using ABOVE, BELOW, LEFT, RIGHT (211263)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word 2000

This article was previously published under Q211263

SYMPTOMS

When you use a formula field in a table, the result is incorrect if the following are true:

You use ABOVE, BELOW, LEFT, or RIGHT as an argument for the field.

-and-
The defined range contains noncontiguous values (one or more blank cells between two values).

For example, the formula ({SUM(ABOVE)}) in cell D6 of the following table shows a result of 5 instead of 12:

			3

			4

			5
			5 Should be 12

WORKAROUND

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

Method 1: Type Zero (0) in Any Blank Cells

Type zero (0) in any blank cells included within the calculation range, for example:

			3
			0
			4
			0
			5
			{SUM(ABOVE)}

Method 2: Use Cell References

For a range that contains one or more blank cells, use cell references to define the range instead of ABOVE, BELOW, LEFT, or RIGHT. For example, use the following formula field to obtain a correct result:

			3

			4

			5
			{SUM(D1:D5)}

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:

212070 WD2000: SUM Formula Does Not Update Correctly

211238 WD2000: Calculation Error When Referencing Bookmark in Table

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	11/25/2002
Keywords:	kbbug kbformula kbtable KB211263