Using IF statements in a Word table

Question

I have a table in a document where I want to use an IF statement. I have a Drop-down form field with two items 'Yes' and 'No'. The form field is set to calculate on exit.

The formula is =IF(B9="Yes",B10*20%,0) which works in Excel, but when I run it in Word I get the !Syntax Error message.

If I put the formula inside field codes, {=IF(B9="Yes",B10*20%,0)} I still get the same error.

Answer 1

Hi @jonathan smith

Is the value in B10 entered directly or via a Drop-down form field?

According to your description, I create a simple table as following.

Besides, each Drop-down form field has a bookmark name like following. Dropdown1 and Dropdown2 have two items "Yes" and "No".

• If it's a number entered manually, in my sample, please try this formula {if "{Dropdown1}"="Yes" "{=B4*0.2}" "0"}. You need to use the bookmark name instead of cell name of table, and please replace the B4 with B10, and 0.2 with 20% in yours.

• If you also use a Drop-down form field in B10, in my sample it is Dropdown3, the formula is {if "{Dropdown1}"="Yes" "{={DropDown3}*0.2}" "0"}. Please also remember to use the bookmark name.

The results of my sample are shown as below.

Please Note: You need to press Alt + F9 at the same time to switch between Edit Mode with Field Codes. Press Ctrl + F9 at the same time to enter {}, then enter the formula inside the curly brackets.

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Answer 2

Many thanks Jiajing Hua, that has resolved my problem! In answer to your question, I only have the one dropdown box with a simple yes or no option, the other data is text. I'm actually creating an expense claim form, and the dropdown box is the answer to whether the claimant has a VAT receipt. This is a form with content controls which will be protected with filling in only.

I really appreciate you taking the time to address my query, many thanks!

Answer 3

Content Controls do not calculate on exit without macros. They can with macros and set bookmarks. Filling In Forms protection is a legacy method and is extremely restrictive.

See:

• Word Content Controls by Greg Maxey
• Create a Form Using Word Content Controls by Greg Maxey
• Content Control Custom Events by Greg Maxey

You should not use legacy formfields in the same document as Content Controls.

Answer 4

Thanks Charles. If I use a drop down list content control the if statement doesn't work, but if I use a legacy drop-down form field the if statement works, despite the form containing other content controls and is restricted to filling in.