Calculating Expressions

Word isn't a spreadsheet (obviously), but you can add a toolbar button that allows you to quickly calculate values based on numbers in a selection. For instance, you could highlight text such as 12*15+3 and quickly calculate that the answer is 183.

To add this button to a toolbar in Word 97 or later versions, follow these steps:

1. Choose Customize from the Tools menu. Word displays the Customize dialog box.
2. Make sure the Commands tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. In the list of Categories, choose Tools.
4. In the list of Commands, select Tools Calculate.
5. Drag the Tools Calculate command from the dialog box, dropping it in any toolbar you desire.
6. Click on Close to dismiss the Customize dialog box.

If you are using Word 6 or Word 95, you can follow these steps to add the tool:

1. Choose Customize from the Tools menu. Word displays the Customize dialog box.
2. Make sure the Toolbars tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. In the list of Categories, choose All Commands.
4. In the list of Commands, select ToolsCalculate.
5. Drag the ToolsCalculate command from the dialog box, dropping it in any toolbar you desire. When you do, Word displays the Custom Button dialog box.
6. Click on the button you want used for the new tool.
7. Click on Assign. The image is assigned to the button and the Custom Button dialog box closes.
8. Click on Close to dismiss the Customize dialog box.

Now, to use the tool, simply highlight the expression you want to calculate, and then click on the tool. Word shows the calculated value in the status bar, and places the value in the Clipboard. You can now paste the value anywhere you desire.