WordTips (Menu Interface)
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our site focusing on the ribbon interface.
WordTips FAQ
Ask a Word Question
Make a Comment
Free Business Forms
Free Calendars
Word allows you to do simple spreadsheet-style calculations on tabular data. You do this using equation fields. For instance, let's assume you had a 20-row table in which you wanted to total the values in the third column. All you need to do is the following if you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007:
At this point Word places the sum of your column in the cell. If you have the Tables and Borders toolbar visible on your screen (available in versions of Word prior to Word 2007) there is an easier way to sum a table column. Follow these two steps:
If you are using Word 2007, then you can insert the sum for the table column in this manner:
Once the sum is placed in the cell (whichever method you follow to place it there), and you later change the column figures, remove rows, or add new rows, you will need to update the sum. You do this by selecting the field you inserted and then pressing F9.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (58) applies to the following Microsoft Word versions: 97 2000 2002 2003 2007
Related Tips:
Create and Merge! Using Word's mail merge tool you can quickly and easily combine data from a variety of data sources to create great individualized documents that incorporate your data in ways that you control. WordTips: Mail Merge Magic is an invaluable source for learning how to harness the full power of Word's mail merging capabilities. Check out WordTips: Mail Merge Magic today!