Formula Help

[scw1217]

I have 6 columns, A through G. Each contains a currency expense, or
debit. Column H is deposits. Column I is my balance. I need to add
column H to column I, and subtract from this figure the total value of
columns A-G. Something like this:

I2 + H3 - (A3+B3+C3+D3+E3+F3+G3)

What is the proper formula, or can it not be done in one cell? Thanks.

 

[Bob Phillips]

=(I2 + H3) - SUM((A3:G3)

is as easy as any

Should that be I2 or I3?

 

[scw1217]

Thanks, but I get errors from that formula, though it looks right. It
is I2, because column I is my running balance. I need to add the
expenses from the new row 3, columns A-G, subtract them from the
previous balance total which would be in I2, but add in any deposits
made in column H, row 3.

 

[Guest]

=(I2 + H3) - SUM((A3:G3)

Thanks, but I get errors from that formula

There is a minor typo -- one too many left parentheses.
But when I enter that mistaken formula into Excel 2003,
it corrects it, albeit with yet-another set of superfluous
parentheses. So I wonder if that is not the error you
refer to.

Anyway, unless you like superfluous parentheses, Bob's
formula can be simplified (and corrected) by:

=I2 + H3 - SUM(A3:G3)

 

[Bob Phillips]

Thanks for the corectrion.

I use the extra parentheses (the ones that don't cause a problem <G>) for
readability, not necessary, but advisable IMO

 

[scw1217]

Okay, I should have stated this but I am using Excel 97. When I enter
that I get an impossible figure. I have attached a sample sheet
(zipped) of what I am working with. $-1.27 (I2) Plus $0.00 (H3) -
$4.97 (Columns A3-G3) should NOT equal $38,732.91! What am I doing
wrong?


+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Filename: Sample1.zip |
|Download: http://www.excelforum.com/attachment.php?postid=4232 |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+

 

[Bob Phillips]

It's adding the date in. Use

=I2+H3-SUM(B3:G3)

 

[scw1217]

I feel stupid. Thanks for your help. That worked fine!

 

[Guest]

I use the extra parentheses [...] for readability, not necessary,
but advisable IMO

I don't want to engage in an endless debate. Suffice it to say
it is a "religious" thing, and my "religion" eschews superfluous
parentheses in most cases for the very same reason (readability).

It's adding the date in. Use =I2+H3-SUM(B3:G3)

Arrgghh! GIGO! Reminds me of something said on the cynical
TV program "House": "The patient always lies!" (an
exaggeration, to be sure).

 

[scw1217]

:Suffice it to say
it is a "religious" thing, and my "religion" eschews superfluous
parentheses in most cases for the very same reason (readability).

LOL! Thanks again for all your help.