Why won't my multiplication formula work?

Allie Forbes

I am trying to enter a formula that will multiple the contents of two cells in a row in a third cell by using =[cell 1] * [cell 2]. This worked when I had manually entered the numbers into cells 1 and 2. I changed cell 2 contents to a formula so that I do not need to manually update that column. Although this formula works in cell 2, it broke the formula in cell 3, #INVALID OPERATION...

Just for fun, I changed the * to a + in cell 3 to see how/if that would affect the error. This formula was successful in joining the two numbers to 2147 (not actually adding them). Does anyone know why I would be facing this problem?

This first picture is the formula in cell 3 that is broken (the reason the top row doesn't have an error is because I manually entered the 2 in the [Tests run per sample] cell):

This second picture is the formula in the [Tests run per sample] cells:

Mike Wilday

Because you're dealing with cells the simple math operators act a little diifferently. Try this formula...

=Value([Cell 1]@row) * Value([Cell 2@row])

The + operator is working like a join where its just putting the two cell values next to each other.

Did that help?

CBMETHOD

Same problem. My cell issue is the following,

I have a function that says if "Jacket" then the cell automatically calculates $16.00. When I put in a quantity and try to multiply it to the 16.00 it says invalid function.

=IF(CONTAINS("Jacket", [Clothing Item]:[Clothing Item]), "$16.00")

=Quanity@row*[Unit Cost]@row <---------Ends up being INVALID FUNCTION

Andrée Starå

Hi @CBMETHOD

I hope you're well and safe!

Try something like this.

=IF(CONTAINS("Jacket", [Clothing Item]:[Clothing Item]), 16)

Did that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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