Tables don't sum correctly in Word .docx docs

Word does not have a documented row‑limit where =SUM(ABOVE) becomes inaccurate, but there are some important behaviors and constraints that can explain incorrect totals in long tables:

1. Empty cells in the summed range
   When positional arguments like ABOVE are used, any empty cell that is included in the range can cause errors or unexpected results. The documentation explicitly recommends putting a 0 in every empty cell that is part of the calculation range to avoid errors.
   • If the 885‑row column contains blank cells, Word’s internal evaluation can fail or skip values in ways that make the total appear wrong.
   • Filling all “numeric” cells (including those that should be treated as zero) with 0 and then recalculating can correct the result.
2. Formula range and position
   =SUM(ABOVE) sums all numeric values in the same column above the formula cell. In a long table, if the formula cell is not in the expected position (for example, there are header rows, subtotals, or non‑numeric entries above), the range that Word actually sums may not match what is expected. To verify:
   • Click in the total cell.
   • Use Table Layout > Formula and check the formula.
   • Confirm that =SUM(ABOVE) is appropriate and that there are no extra rows (such as subtotals or text rows) that should be excluded.
3. Mixed content in the column
   If some cells contain text, symbols, or formatted numbers (e.g., with units) rather than plain numbers, Word may ignore them or treat them inconsistently in the sum, especially over many rows.
4. Manual update of the formula
   Word table formulas are field codes. On Mac, after editing values, the result does not always refresh until the field is updated:
   • Select the total cell and press fn + F9 to recalculate that formula.
   • Or select the entire table and press fn + F9 to update all formulas in the table.
5. General reliability and best practice
   Word’s table formulas are designed for simple calculations and are less robust than Excel’s. For very long tables (hundreds of rows) and critical numeric accuracy, the recommended pattern is:
   • Use Excel to perform the actual calculations and verify totals.
   • Then link or paste the results into Word for presentation.

To troubleshoot the specific 885‑row table:

1. Ensure every cell in the summed column that should be counted contains a number (use 0 instead of leaving it blank).
2. Confirm the total cell is at the bottom of the column and the formula is =SUM(ABOVE) with no extra arguments.
3. Press fn + F9 in that cell to force a recalculation.
4. Re‑check the result against Excel.

If, after these steps, the total still differs from Excel, treat Word’s table formula as unreliable for that size/structure of table and use Excel for the calculation, then bring the final numbers back into Word.

References:

• Use a formula in a Word table
• Sum a column or row of numbers in a table in Word