Adding a Range of Cells Using The SUM() Function
Sum groups allows for the creation of a total line at the beginning stages of designing the document and then add additional lines to the document without having to change the calculation on the total line. As additional figures are added, the total balance updates instantly. Sum groups can also be used to pull values from schedules at the end of a document. This is especially useful if there is more than one person working on the document.
- Position the insertion point in the sum cell.
- Enter the SUM calculation on the Equation bar.
Notes
- The SUM function relies on cell numbers. For example, if using the function SUM(c1..c9) and cell number c8 is in a different part of the document, it will also be included in the sum. To exclude specific cells from the range, cells not to be included in the sum must be renumbered. Also, if adding a new cell, its cell number must be within the range specified in the SUM function or it will not be included in the total. An alternative is to use sum groups that function independently of cell numbers. How?
- If the sum function occurs within a table, and if a row is inserted between the last entry in the sum calculation and sum row, the sum calculation automatically updates for the new row added. For example, if the cells look like this:
A1
A2
sum(a1..a2)
adding a row between A2 and the sum changes the sum to sum(a1..a3). However, adding a row only updates the sum if the row above the inserted row was actually included in the sum. For example, if the cells look like this:
A1
A2
A3
sum(a1..a2)
adding a row between A2 and the sum does not update the sum.
Likewise, deleting a row from a summed group of cells updates the sum as well. If the cells look like this:
A1
A2
A3
sum(a1..a3)
deleting row A3 will update the sum to sum(A1..A2)
