Why do I get syntax error when I try to enter {={NUMPAGES}-1}

[Guest]

I am just trying to enter a simple formula in my footer because I have
multiple sections in the document and want to exclude the title page in the
count. I must be missing something really basic about writing formulas in
Word. I can get a simple numerical calculation to work, i.e =(5-2), but when
I try to subtract from the NUMPAGES, then I get syntax error. I've been
entering in the "insert" formula" and also toggling field within the
document. No luck though.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Try adding some spaces:

{ = { NUMPAGES } - 1 }

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

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[Greg Maxey]

I would say that you are typing litterally the "{NumPages}" part. You
need to use CTRL+F9 to enter the both field brace pairs { { } } and
then type in the text { = { NumPages } - 1 }