Try this:

=SUM(INDIRECT("H12:"&A4&"12"))

Hope this helps.

Pete

On Jan 16, 12:22*am, excel help acct
wrote:
I am trying to use a variable column reference in a formula. *Here is an
example:

=SUM(H12:R12) where R can vary depending on the value in cell A4 on the same
spreadsheet

I have tried using INDIRECT and OFFSET but I must have the syntax wrong as
excel keeps flagging the formula with errors. *Can someone please translate
the formula above to one with a variable in place of the "R" reference again
contingient on the value of cell A4.

THANK YOU!