Error at <Cell Reference> Appears Instead of Result

 Last reviewed: February 5, 1998
Article ID: Q115259
6.00 6.00a 6.00c 7.00 WINDOWS kbusage

The information in this article applies to:

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

SYMPTOMS

If a formula in a table refers to a cell that is blank, the formula shows the following error message instead of a result: 

   !Error at <cell reference>
If there are nested formulas, the field will show a previous result or will not show any result.

For example, the formula in B1 of the table below refers to A1. When A1 contains a number, B1 will show the result of A1 multiplied by 6. When A1 is empty, B1 will show "!Error at A1". 

    --------------------
   |         | {=A1*6}  |
    --------------------

CAUSE

Word 97 evaluates a blank cell as a zero. Word 95 and earlier do not evaluate formulas for which any of the elements are unknown.

WORKAROUND

Type a 0 (zero) in the blank cell. If you do not want the 0 to display, format it as Hidden.

NOTE: {IF} fields and bookmarks are not effective in this situation.

KBCategory: kbusage
KBSubcategory: kbfield kbtable
word6 Additional Reference Words: 6.00 6.00a formulas 6.00c 7.00 word95
word7 winword incorrect error
Keywords : kbfield kbtable
Version : 6.00 6.00a 6.00c 7.00
Platform : WINDOWS

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Last reviewed: February 5, 1998
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