SUM OFFSET function with Subtraction Results in #VALUE

[boykinja]

Hello,

I'm struggling to figure out why this error is appearing in my spreadsheet. I need to calculate the sum of multiple columns and an unknown number of rows. I have created the following formula but a #VALUE error is being generated for it.

=SUM((C2:OFFSET(C4,-1,0)),-(F2:OFFSET(F4,-1,0)))

If I remove the subtraction symbol between the two values than the formula calculates the sum without issue.

If I move the formula up one row, changing the values respectively, the formula works without issue with the subtraction included.
=SUM((C2:OFFSET(C3,-1,0)),-(F2:OFFSET(F3,-1,0)))

I've verified the blank cells have no value. Here's the evaluation for the formula right before and when it generates the error.

I am a bit of an excel noob, and I have been scratching my head over this for a few days. I apologize if the solution to this is obvious, but I haven't been able to find an adequate solution or information on how to solve this. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[BrianM]

Does this work for you?

=SUM((C2:OFFSET(C4,-1,0)))-SUM(F2:OFFSET(F4,-1,0))

Regards,
Brian

 

[boykinja]

That works! You're a life saver. Thanks for your help!