WD: Incorrect Results in Formula Using ABOVE, BELOW, LEFT, RIGHT

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

A formula field in a table yields an incorrect result when it includes ABOVE, BELOW, LEFT, or RIGHT if the defined range contains noncontiguous values (in other words, if there is one or more blank cell between two values).

For example, the formula in cell A4 of the following table shows a result of 4 instead of 7:

   |------------------|
   |               3  |
   |------------------|
   |                  |
   |------------------|
   |               4  |
   |------------------|
   |   {=SUM(ABOVE)}  |
   |------------------|

CAUSE

Word calculates correctly up to the first empty table cell, then stops. Word does not calculate any values beyond the first empty cell.

STATUS

We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

WORKAROUNDS

Method 1: Type zero (0) in any blank cells.

Method 2: For a range that contains one or more blank cells, use cell

          references to define the range instead of ABOVE, BELOW, LEFT, or
          RIGHT. In the sample table above, use the following formula
          field to obtain a correct result:

             {=SUM(A1:A3)}

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Word User's Guide," version 6.0, pages 306-311