How to Insert a Table Formula in Word 2007

Insert a table formula in Word 2007 by using the Insert Table feature.

Word 2007 lets you create tables that use some of same formulas used by Excel. If you are familiar with some of the simple formulas in Excel, you will be able to transfer those skills to your Word 2007 table. Table formulas give you the ability to create dynamic tables in Word without the need to copy and paste data from Excel.

Instructions

1. Open Word 2007 and select the "Insert" tab on the ribbon. Select "Table" from the "Illustrations" group. Select the dimensions for a 1-by-4 table from the grid. You should see a table with one row and four columns. Enter the values "10,"" 20," and "30" in the row's first three cells. Leave the fourth cell blank.

2. Place your cursor in the fourth cell. Select "Layout" from the "Table Tools" tab. Click the "Formula" button. A formula dialog box appears. Notice the formula in the "Formula" field. It displays "=SUM(LEFT)." This is the formula format for Word 2007. It will add up all numbers in columns to the left of this column. You can format the numbers as currency by using the "Number Format" section of the Formula dialog box. Click "OK." A total appears in the fourth column.

3. Update your formula by right-clicking on the cell containing the formula. Change of the values in your table. Update the formula value by right-clicking on the cell with the formula and selecting "Update Field." Your formula value is updated.

References

• University of Wisconsin: Calculations Within Tables

Resources

• Microsoft: Word 2007 Help and How-To