Add Columns of Numbers in a Word 2007 Table

by Trish
(Sparks, Nevada)

In Word 2000, it was easy to add up a column of numbers in a table. Just highlight the column, put the cursor in the cell under your column of numbers, hit the Formula button..and you get a total.

In Word 2007, it was very easy to press Insert Layout Formula (end of ribbon) and {= SUM(ABOVE } appeared. However, when I try to get a total in the cell under my column, all I get is "syntax error". Help!!

ANSWER:

The correct syntax for the formula is {=SUM(ABOVE)}. However, you cannot type the formula directly into the cell. It must be entered using a dialog box.

For the benefit of readers who don't know how to use basic math calculations in Microsoft Word tables, let's start at the beginning of the process.

(Trish, follow the instructions and see if you can find the syntax error in your formula.)

Calculating a Sum in a Word 2007 Table

To add a column of numbers in a Word 2007 table, follow these steps:

  1. Create a table.

    a Microsoft Word table
  2. Place the cursor in the cell where you want the sum displayed.
  3. On the Table Tools Layout tab (this tab is only visible if your cursor is inside the table), click Formula. The Formula dialog box opens.

    Insert Formula button for Microsoft Word Tables
  4. Under Formula, type this formula exactly:

    =SUM(ABOVE)

    Caution: Make sure there are no spaces between characters, and that ABOVE is inside (). There must be an opening AND closing bracket.

    You do not have to type the curly brackets; Word 2007 places the formula inside curly brackets for you when it inserts the formula into the table cell.

    The Microsoft Word 2007 Tables Formula dialog box
  5. Select the desired number format.
  6. Click OK.
  7. If the formula appears in the cell instead of the sum, press Alt + F9 to toggle on the calculation. Press Alt + F9 again to toggle on the formula.

Trish, I hope you found the syntax error in your formula and it is now working properly!

Design Note: If you need advanced math calculations, insert an Excel spreadsheet into your document instead of a Microsoft Word table.

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Add Columns of Numbers in a Word 2007 Table

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Jan 19, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Naming Table Cells in Word
by: Word-Tips

Thank-you for your comment, Jane!

This is very true. The sum formula works for adjacent cells, but if your table contains blank cells, you do need to add the cell names to the formula to make it work.

In Excel, the cells have names such as D2 or H15. However, you may not realize that table cells in Word are named the same way. To find the name of a table cell, manually count the columns (A, B, C...) and the rows (1, 2, 3...).
Jan 19, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		How to add a column if you have blank cells
by: Jane

I have columns of numbers with a blank cell between each number and the =Sum(Above) does not work. I have to specify the number of cells I am adding (i.e., =Sum(C1:C7)).

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