Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix SUM(ABOVE) Field Code Displaying in Word 2021

Camila Milosovich Oct 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to display the calculated numerical result of the SUM(ABOVE) formula in a Word table instead of its underlying field code text.

How to Fix SUM(ABOVE) Field Code Displaying in Word

Product: Word 2021
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Calculating sums in a document table using the =SUM(ABOVE) formula feature.
Observed behavior: The document displays the raw field code { = SUM(ABOVE) } rather than the actual calculated numerical result.

Before you start

Ensure that your table contains valid numerical values in the cells directly above the formula cell for the calculation to execute properly.

Solution 1Recommended

Toggle Field Codes Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Quickly switch between displaying field codes and their calculated results using a built-in keyboard shortcut.

In Word, field codes are used as placeholders for data that might change in a document, such as formulas, page numbers, or mail merge elements. When the field code display setting is triggered, formulas like SUM(ABOVE) will show their backend code instead of the math result.

Select the field code

Click anywhere inside or highlight the { = SUM(ABOVE) } field code text within your Word table.

Press the toggle shortcut

Press the Alt and F9 keys simultaneously on your keyboard (Alt + F9). If you are using a laptop or a compact keyboard with dual-function keys, you may need to press Alt + Fn + F9.

Verify the calculated result

The field code text should disappear and immediately be replaced by the calculated numerical result of the cells above it.

Toggle Field Codes Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Updating the Field Result: If the numbers in your table change, the sum does not update automatically. Right-click the calculated result and select 'Update Field' to refresh the math.

Seamless Document Editing

Easily Manage Table Formulas with WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers full support for document table formulas, field code toggling, and rich formatting capabilities. You can seamlessly calculate data directly within your text documents using the exact same shortcuts and methods you already know.

1. Insert a Table: Open WPS Writer, go to the Insert tab on the top ribbon, and create a table with your numerical data.
2. Add a Formula: Click in the empty cell below your numbers, navigate to the Table Tools tab, and click the Formula button. Choose the =SUM(ABOVE) function.
3. Toggle Field Codes: If you see the raw field code instead of the result, simply press Alt+F9 (or right-click and select Toggle Field Codes) to display the calculated numerical value.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) documents and embedded field codes.Supports native table formulas like SUM(ABOVE) and AVERAGE without relying on a spreadsheet program.Uses familiar keyboard shortcuts (like Alt+F9) to easily toggle field code visibility.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to download and use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Word document suddenly start showing field codes?

This typically occurs if you accidentally press the Alt+F9 keyboard shortcut while typing, or if the 'Show field codes instead of their values' setting was manually enabled within Word's Advanced Options.

Does the =SUM(ABOVE) formula update automatically when I change table numbers?

No, table formulas in word processors do not auto-calculate like they do in Excel spreadsheets. You must manually select the formula result, right-click, and choose 'Update Field' (or press F9) to refresh the sum.

How do I turn off field codes for all documents permanently via settings?

Navigate to File > Options > Advanced. Scroll down to the 'Show document content' section, uncheck the box labeled 'Show field codes instead of their values', and click OK to save the preference.

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