XL98: Some Worksheet Functions Don't Allow Array Constants

ID: Q192222

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition, you may receive one of the following error messages if you insert an array constant (such as {1,2}) into a SUMIF(), COUNTIF(), or COUNTBLANK() function:

Error in formula.

-or-

The formula you typed contains an error.

For example, you receive an error message if you use this function as in the following example:

=SUMIF({1,2},2,{1,1})

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the SUMIF(), COUNTIF(), and COUNTBLANK() functions use the same criteria-matching algorithm as the database functions, such as DSUM(). This algorithm does not support arrays.

WORKAROUND

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

Method 1

To use the constants in a range reference, use a formula similar to the following:

=SUMIF(A1:A2,2,B1:B2)

Method 2

To use the SUM(IF()) function to enter the array, use a formula similar to the following:

=SUM(IF({1,2}=2,{1,1}))

NOTE: You must enter this formula as an array formula. To enter a formula as an array formula, press COMMAND+RETURN.

Additional query words: XL98

Keywords : kbdta xlformula
Version : MACINTOSH:98
Platform : MACINTOSH
Issue type : kbprb