I have added to a list of fields to be summed and they are set to repeat 40 times. I cannot get the subsequent repeaters to calculate. The sum calculation includes the base field and the option to repeat is also selected. Does anyone have an idea the sum function isn't working?

Thanks, Lisa

Any non-repeating fields must be enclosed by Extend(), for FileMaker to treat them as repeating, in a calculation. What are these fields for though? There may be a better way to organize your solution.

This is a FAQ, which it shouldn't ....but newbe's can't stand the temptation to stuff repeaters with all kind of things exept the things they really are good at. Please use PORTALS for stuff that needs to be summed.

However could it be done - the missing bit is the Extend( command. But do not use it at present - tear instead apart some of the templates following the installation of Filemaker Pro, and see how invoicing and such "ought" to be done.

At least download the one of these

http://www.filemaker.com/solutions/starter_solutions.html

...that comes closest to the task you have at hand!

--sd

Queue, thanks for the kind response. I'm working on a database that was developed by someone who was learning as she went. This particular database is used to capture task hours in total "and" broken down by participant. There are 26 rows for personnel that have corresponding WBS fields. Each of the rows is a unique field as are the individual WBS fields. After my FM classes, I learned that repeating fields might work. What I created was a 27th row as a repeater. I also made each of the WBS fields repeating and included the field name in the calculation for the Total field for each of the WBS columns. However, none of the hours input in rows 28-37 (as an example) compute into the Total field.

I appreciate your help as the examples aren't much help to me. Thanks, Lisa

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There are 26 rows for personnel that have corresponding WBS fields. Each of the rows is a unique field as are the individual WBS fields. After my FM classes, I learned that repeating fields might work. What I created was a 27th row as a repeater.

Take a look at this http://previews.filemakermagazine.com/videos/513/DataTagging_full.mov

--sd

I would suggest that you delve into relationships. Using repeating fields for static data such as this may cause you many problems in the future. Since you only recently seem to have added the repetitions, now is the time to convert them. You'll find a wealth of information in the Relationships forum. If you don't have an FM book, I would encourage you to purchase 'Using FileMaker Pro 5'. If you don't have the time to immerse yourself in it, perhaps contracting a consultant is a viable option for you?

Queue,

Thanks for your responses. As I have done earlier, I fear I haven't explained myself very well. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Lisa