Have you ever needed to calculate sums in Word tables but reached for Excel instead? Typically, you might use Excel, input the data there using formulas, and then copy and paste the outputs. Alternatively, you might use the digital calculator app to solve the calculations and plug them into the table.
Good news! Microsoft Word can automatically sum totals and calculate averages using fields.
Here’s an example using fields in a table for total and average calculations. This feature is not limited to tables! You can also use it in in narrative text.
Table 1: Total Monthly and Average 1st Quarter Rainfall
| Month | Week 1 (in.) | Week 2 (in.) | Week 3 (in.) | Week 4 (in.) | Total | Average |
| January | 2 | 0 | 1.5 | 2 | 5.5 | 1.38 |
| February | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0.5 |
| March | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 2.5 |
| 1st Q Total | 4 | 2 | 5.5 | 6 | 17.5 | 4.38 |
Calculate the Totals
- With your cursor in the first Total table cell, go to the Insert tab->Quick Parts dropdown then click on Field.
- In the Field name window, =(Formula) is highlighted. Click on the ‘Formula…’ button to the right.
- In the Formula window, type “=SUM(LEFT)” after the equal sign. You can also select the Number format in that window if you want.
- Click on the OK button. The January total appears!
- Simply copy and paste that formula for the rest of the total cells, right click, then select Update Field from the dropdown and the correct total appears.
Note: if the data appears above or to the right of the total cell, use =SUM(ABOVE) or =SUM(RIGHT) in the formula.
