Calculations you can perform in a table in Word

Applies to
Microsoft Word 2002

You can add, subtract, multiply, and divide values entered into table cells in Microsoft Word. In the examples below, the values in the individual table cells are referred to by the column letter and row number. For example, "A1" refers to the first column and first row.

Table cells referenced to by row and column position

Do the following to add 3 to cell A1, which has a value of 2.

  1. Place the insertion point into cell A4.
  2. On the Table menu, click Formula.
    Under Formula, an automated formula (=Sum(Above)) is shown.
  3. Delete the automated formula leaving the equal (=) sign.
  4. After the =, enter (A1)+3.
  5. Click OK.

The result of the formula (2+3=5) will appear in cell A4.

In the following examples, use the steps above, and then insert one of the formulas below in step 4.

ShowAdd

Add a number to a cell

=(A1)+3
equals 5 in the example

Add two adjacent cells

=SUM (A1:A2)
or
=(A1+A2)
equals 9 in the example

Add two non-adjacent cells

=(A1+A3)
or
=(A1)+(A3)
equals 10 in the example

Add a range of cells

=SUM(B1:B3)
equals 9 in the example

ShowSubtract

Subtract a number from a cell

=(A1)-1
equals 1 in the example

Subtract two cells

=(A3-B2)
equals 5 in the example

ShowMultiply

Multiply a number by a cell

=(A1)*3
equals 6 in the example

Multiply two adjacent cells

=PRODUCT(A1:A2)
equals 14 in the example

Multiply two non-adjacent cells

=(B1*B3)
or
=PRODUCT(B1)*(B3)
equals 5 in the example

ShowDivide

Divide a number by a cell

=(C2)/3
equals 2 in the example

Divide two cells

=(C2)/(A1)
equals 3 in the example

 Note   You must manually recalculate Word table calculations if you add a row or column into the table. You should consider using Microsoft Excel to perform complex calculations.