Circular Reference

PRoblem

Numbers don't change when they're supposed to, don't calculate right, don't add up
Circular reference error message in MacNail construction management software

Diagnosis

Whenever calculation doesn't work correctly, suspect a circular reference. It will give a 'Circular Reference' message whenever you change something and it tries to recalculate.
XL 2.2 and newer will also show 'Circular' and a cell reference in the Status Bar at the bottom of the screen.

Solution

1. If more than one file is open, close other files first, since the circular ref may be in one of them. When you find the bad file, check the formula in the cell listed at the bottom. If off, fix it.
2. What numbers seem way off? If in an estimate, track them back to Dimensions or Specifications, checking various formulas.
3. If all else fails, choose Calculation from the Options menu, turn on Iteration, click OK. Either the problem will be solved, or numbers will go completely haywire, depending on where the error is.

Comments

It's not alway easy or possible to track down a circular ref. If no luck, have them mail us a floppy disk and we can check it here for them.
If they have a recent backup of the construction software file, it may be best to just go back to it.

Entered 10/13/94 by Dennis.