Getting “does not contain a number or expression” when using $

  • Resolved ericdf94

    (@ericdf94)


    7 years, 5 months ago

    I think this is a simple fix but I’ve looked all over the FAQs and forums and can’t figure it out. I have a super simple table with the fourth column being for dollar amounts. At the bottom of the column I have =SUM(D3:D24) to add it all up. When I preview it though I get “!ERROR! D3 does not contain a number or expression” if I change D3 from $1.00 to 1.00 I think that fixes it since the error changes to D4. But I want the numbers to show as $. How can I use the sum function with numbers that have $ in the front?

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  • Plugin Author Tobias Bäthge

    (@tobiasbg)

    7 years, 5 months ago

    Hi,

    thanks for your post, and sorry for the trouble.

    Unfortunately, directly using $ in a cell for a formula is not possible, as this is a character and not a number.
    You could however use a trick:
    Add a new column to your table (e.g. a new column D). In that column, only put the real numeric values (like 1.00), and the formula =SUM(D3:D24), and mark that column as hidden (via the checkbox below it and the “Hide” button).
    Then, in column E, use a formula like

    =$ {D2}

    and so on in every cell.
    With this approach, you are basically splitting calculation and presentation.

    Regards,
    Tobias

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