XL: Some Worksheet Functions Do Not Allow Array Constants

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This article was previously published under Q214286

For a Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition version of this article, see 192222 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/192222/EN-US/ ) .

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, you may receive one of the following error messages if you insert an array constant (such as {1,2}) into a SUMIF(), COUNTIF(), or COUNTBLANK() function:

Error in formula.

-or-

The formula you typed contains an error.

For example, you receive an error message if you use this function in the manner of the following example:

=SUMIF({1,2},2,{1,1})

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CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the SUMIF(), COUNTIF(), and COUNTBLANK() functions use the same criteria-matching algorithm as database functions, such as DSUM(). This algorithm does not support arrays.

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WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, use either of the following methods to enter the array.

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Method 1

To use the constants in a range reference, use a formula similar to the following:

=SUMIF(A1:A2,2,B1:B2)

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Method 2

To use the SUM(IF()) function to enter the array, use a formula similar to the following:

=SUM(IF({1,2}=2,{1,1}))

NOTE: You must enter this formula as an array formula. To enter a formula as an array formula in Microsoft Excel for Windows, press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER.

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