Sum Subtotals in Numbers spreadsheet

I can't reproduce what you describe, so either I'm not understanding what you're saying, or there's something particular with the sheet you're working on that's causing this.

Does it happen in a new, blank document (e.g. with dummy data)?

is there any specific formatting applied to your table? I could imagine things like hidden rows/columns, merged cells, etc. could potentially impact this, but beyond that I'm at a loss.

Crotonmark wrote:

I know you can use the option key in numbers to generate a sum.

Where are you in Numbers when you do this? I am not familiar with that use of the option key.

Are you referring to this?

Quickly calculate a sum, average, and more in Numbers on Mac - Apple Support

Or maybe this?

Calculate values using data in table cells in Numbers on Mac - Apple Support

If you are new to Numbers be sure to have a look at the User Guide.

Numbers User Guide for Mac - Apple Support

It's always available via Numbers > Numbers Help in the menu.

And have a look at the templates at File > New in the menu. They are good examples to study.

SG

SG

Crotonmark wrote:

I click on subtotals using an option click.

I've been using Numbers for many years and I confess I don't know what you mean by "I click on subtotals."

Have you by any chance activated the "Categories" feature?

If you are trying to add subtotals to that then you can click the gear icon in a shaded row and choose Sum from the dropdown.

Or have you simply selected a range of cells (no categories) and just want to drag a token in from the bottom of the window into a cell?

For the latter typically you will want a row you've defined as a Footer, select the entire column in a table, and drag the SUM at the bottom into a cell.

Be sure to study the links provided above, and if it turns out that you are using the Categories feature (similar to Subtotals in Excel) also have a look at this:

Intro to categories in Numbers on Mac - Apple Support

And also at the 'Categories' template at File > New in your menu.

SG

Maybe a problem with using your pointing device (trackpad, mouse) or with its sensitivity settings (which you can adjust in System Settings)?

It doesn't sound like a Numbers specific problem.

If you haven't restarted your Mac in a while then you might try that. Restarting can clear up a surprising number of mysterious problems.

SG