Some cells in a simple "SUM" function not being recognized

Cells that are empty or contain text values are ignored bySUM, COUNT (and by AVERAGE). Cells that contain a numeric value, including 0, are COUNTed and included in the calculation of AVERAGE. If the grade on a particular test/assignment is zero, then enter it as a zero. An empty cell means no grade has yet been assigned. Basic GPA calculations don't usually include non-grades for projects that aren't yet due. 😉

The only 'basic multiplication function' is PRODUCT, which also ignores cells that are empty or contain text.

The multiplication operator ( * ) treats empty cells as zeroes, and chokes on text.

Example:

B1 contains =PRODUCT(B)

D1 contains the formula in the entry box above the table.

C1 contains the same formula with C replacing each D.

The error message is from the formula in D1.

Regards,

Barry

A likely explanation for it skipping some cells is that those cells are formatted as text. They may have numerals in them but if they are formatted as text, they will be skipped over by the SUM formula. However, they will be conveted to numbers and included if you addd them up with the + operator.

So, take a look at the cell format for each cell in that column/row. If it is not a numeric format, make it one.

Badunit,

Trying that (reformmating) and it doesn't stick. Flashes to Numeric format and then reverts to Automatic, acting as Text.

Jerry

Hi vscalia11,

I'm trying to do a basic GPA calculation.

Rather than reinvent the wheel, have you tried the GPA template as a starting point? File > New and scroll down to the Education section:

SG

vscalia11,

Youi may be able to determine where the SUM function is running into trouble by just Arrowing through the range you are summing while watching the Format Cells pane. Look for a change in format type.

Jerry

Trying that (reformmating) and it doesn't stick. Flashes to Numeric format and then reverts to Automatic, acting as Text.

Works fine for me, as long as the text can be converted to a number. No spaces or any other non-numeric stuff.