SOLVED

Simple Excel sum formula showing error

Copper Contributor

I have a simple Excel spreadsheet (summary) with multiple columns (approx. 48) summarizing nine rows of data linked from an adjoining sheet (upload). The columns total down with no problem. However, the rows totaling across are suddenly showing a #REF! error. I can see no such errors on my summary spreadsheet or on the sheet it is linked to. 

 

I have been making changes on the linked sheet and verifying the column totals on the summary sheet after each change. I did not notice the error in the total column on the far right until it came onto the screen as I worked across. My formulas reference the range of columns from B to AT; for row 42, the formula looks like this: "=SUM(B42:AT42). The simple suggestion at MicroSoft Support that something in my cell reference was deleted or pasted over does not apply. Even if I had deleted a column, other than B or AT, it wouldn't (shouldn't) affect the formula.

 

As I said earlier, all my columns total down correctly and none is showing an error. The error is on every row, which seems odd. If I had done something anywhere, it seems it would affect not only the related row but also it should be affecting the related column. I'm sure I've done something to cause this, I just can't figure out what. I continue to search.

 

One more thing I have other sections in this worksheet where rows are  totaling across properly. If you have a suggestion share it with me.

 

Thanks for your time.

2 Replies
best response confirmed by Sarah_Nadeau (Copper Contributor)
Solution

my guess is there is a hidden column that has an error in it.
maybe try:

=TRIM(TEXTJOIN(",",1,IF(ISERROR(B42:AT42),ADDRESS(ROW(B42:AT42),COLUMN(B42:AT42)),"")))


and see if it tells you where

Thanks so much! There was a hidden column with a #REF! error in it. Don't remember hiding the column and no idea where the error came from. Thanks for helping me find it.
1 best response

Accepted Solutions
best response confirmed by Sarah_Nadeau (Copper Contributor)
Solution

my guess is there is a hidden column that has an error in it.
maybe try:

=TRIM(TEXTJOIN(",",1,IF(ISERROR(B42:AT42),ADDRESS(ROW(B42:AT42),COLUMN(B42:AT42)),"")))


and see if it tells you where

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