To work around this issue, define a name for the array of cells in the first workbook. Then, use that name to create a formula that is linked to the second workbook. Alternatively, use a nonarray formula that is linked to the second workbook.
To share a workbook that contains an array formula that is linked to another workbook, follow these steps, as appropriate for the version of Excel that you are running.
Microsoft Office Excel 2007
- Start Excel.
- Create a new workbook named Book1, and then type the following data:
A1: 5
A2: 10
A3: 15
A4: 20
A5: 25
- Click the Formulas tab.
- In the Defined Names group, click Define Name.
- In the New Name dialog box, type Sample in the Name box.
- In the Refers to box, type = Sheet1!$A$1:$A$5, and then click OK.
- Create a new workbook named Book2, click cell A1, type the following formula, and then press ENTER:
= SUM(Book1!sample)
Note The sample name represents the array of cell values. - Click the Review tab.
- Click Share Workbook in the Changes group.
- Click to select the Allow changes by more than one user at the same time. This also allows workbook merging check box, and then click OK.
- When you are prompted to save the workbook, click OK, and then save the workbook.
Microsoft Office Excel 2003 and earlier versions of Excel
- Start Excel.
- Create a new workbook named Book1, and then type the following data:
A1: 5
A2: 10
A3: 15
A4: 20
A5: 25
- On the Insert menu, point to Name, and then click Define.
- In the Define Name dialog box, type Sample in the Names in workbook box.
- In the Refers to box, type = Sheet1!$A$1:$A$5, and then click OK.
- Create a new workbook named Book2, click cell A1, type the following formula, and then press ENTER:
= SUM(Book1!sample)
Note The sample name represents the array of cell values. - On the Tools menu, click Share Workbook.
- Click to select the Allow changes by more than one user at the same time. This also allows workbook merging check box, and then click OK.
- When you are prompted to save the workbook, click OK, and then save the workbook.
To share a workbook that contains a nonarray formula that is linked to another workbook, follow these steps:
- Make sure that Book1 and Book2 are open.
- In Book2, click cell A1, type the following formula, and the press ENTER:
= [Book1]Sheet1!A1
Note Use relative cell reference to point to the cell. Additionally, do not specify the cell range in the formula. - Click cell A1, grab the fill handle, and then fill down to complete the rest of the cell values in the array.
- On the File menu, click Save. Then, close both workbooks.