formula wont copy correctly into next row

I am trying to copy a formula but it wont work.

i have columns a,b,c,d,e each are a measurement in metres and want to have a sixth column which will give the total amount of metres

i have 300 entries below these headings that have the number of pieces in each length and need to copy the formula ..... formula wont copy...


a b c d e
2.4 3.0 3.6 4.2 4.8 MTRS

1 2 3 4 5 60

I currently use the formula a1*a2+b1*b2+c1*c2+d1*d2+e1*e2 which gives the correct answer , however when copied into the next row it doesnt work.

any ideas

do the variable increase by one row?

If so, and the result isn't changing, then go to Tools|Options and in the Calculation tab make sure Automatic Calculation is selected.

You need to elaborate on exactly what you mean by it doesn't work.

Is it wrong answer? Is it same cell references even after you copy down? Do you get an error? etc....

If you are trying to always reference row 1 as you copy down, then you need to "anchor" row 1 in your cell references.

e.g.

=A2*A$1+B2*B$1+C2*C$1+D2*D$1+E2*E$1


note: The SUM() function is not needed here, it is redundant.