The SUM() function ignores non-numeric (text) numbers.
If you check the format of your imported data you'll find that it's probably
'Text'.

To convert those "non" (text) numbers to true XL recognizable numbers, right
click in a new, unused cell, and choose "Copy".
Select those text numbers and right click in that selection.
Choose "PasteSpecial", then click "Add", then OK, then <Esc.

--
HTH,

RD

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"nr" wrote in message
ups.com...
I create files using SAS, outputting to an HTM file, which opens up
easily in Excel. If I drag the cursor over a few cells I do not get
the 'sum=....' note at the bottom, which happens with a regular XLS
sheet.

If I use the sum function, 'sum(b2:b4)', I'll get a result of 0, but if
I enter '=b2+b3+b4' I get the correct number.

Anyone know of what might be causing this and how to correct?

Thanks for any help.