You don't say how you are copying the data. You also didn't
mention the xl version you are using. xl2007 marches to a
different drummer.
Try...
Grouping the data so only the subtotal rows show,
Selecting only the visible cells by using Edit | GoTo | Special (button)
Then Copy and Paste
--
Jim Cone
Portland, Oregon USA



"Teri"
wrote in message
I am trying to copy subtotals in a spreadsheet that has over 20,000 rows so
that I can sort amounts highest to lowest. I am getting the following error:
Microsoft Office Excel cannot create or use the data range reference because
it is too complex. Try one or more of the following:
-Use data that can be selected in on contiguous rectangle (am doing that)
-Use data from the same sheet (am doing that as well)