If the numbers were formatted as text, then simply changing the format might
not be enough. Now that you've set the new format to Number, re-enter the
numbers. You can just select each cell and hit F2 then ENTER. This will
ensure that the old text value is replaced with a number.

HTH,
Elkar


" wrote:

C3 has "1139.28" G1 = "400.00" G2= "280.00" G3 = "65.00" G4 =" 206.52"
G5="38.5" so therefore, G1:G5 = 990.02, and 1139.28-990.02=149.26.

I tried all of the formatting suggestions, every cell is now formatted as
number.

"Elkar" wrote:

What is your data in C3 and in G1:G5?

Are G1:G5 formatted as Text? If so, the SUM function won't recognize them.
Try formatting as Number or General.

How is the cell formatted where you are entering the formula? Try changing
it to "General" and see what happens.

Are Automatic Calculations turned on?
TOOLS--OPTIONS--CALCULATION Tab--Check "Automatic"

HTH,
Elkar


" wrote:

I tried this and still get the same wrong answer of 0.


"Elkar" wrote:

Try writing it like this:

=C3-SUM(G1:G5)

HTH,
Elkar


" wrote:

my formula says =sum(C3-(G1:G5))
It comes up and says 0, when it should say 149.26

HELP

" wrote:

Excel incorrectly calculated a formula. Why, how do I fix it?