How to Perform Calculations in a Table in Microsoft Word 2003

The word processors of today do far more than just process and crunch numbers. They can also be used as graphical designers and provide for basic spreadsheet applications. Users can even import complex tables with calculations from their spreadsheet software and modify or add calculations to their table inside of their word processor.

Instructions

1. Create a table. Use the table draw feature to create a basic table with at least two row and two columns.

2. Enter in the data. Click on the cells of the table that you wish to add a formula into and then enter in the desired cell date in the number format.

3. Create a formula. To create a formula inside of a table in your word processor, first select the cell that you wish to begin the calculation on. Left-click on the cell and then click on the “Table” menu on the command bar and select “Formula.” Note that if the cell that you have selected appears at the bottom of the table, the program will propose suggested formulas; you can still choose the formula you desire however from the formula menu.

4. Choose the calculation. From the formula menu you can choose calculations from the drop-down menu by referencing the table cells that you wish the calculations to occur from. For example, you can use the “Paste Function” drop-down menu in the formula properties box to choose a standard calculation like the “Sum” calculation. Then once you have chosen the formula that you wish to use, Word will automatically integrate it into the formula field in the properties box.

5. Implement the formula or calculation. Word reads formulas just like Excel does. You need to enter them in a specific format. If you were to create a sum formula of a set of referenced cells your formula would read like this: “=Sum (Cell#+Cell#).” You can also create the formula tag, “Sum,” “Add” and so on, and then click on the cells in the table you wish to be included in the formula, and Word will automatically integrate those cells. Click the “OK” button to implement the formula when finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Word will only allow for basic formulas and calculations, it is advised that you create more complex spreadsheets using spreadsheet software like Excel, and then import those tables into Word. You will need to understand how spreadsheet formulas work to be able to create these calculations inside of your word processor.

• Make sure that your table is created within the print margin lines of the document to assure that it will print properly.