need Excel formula that figures out which data adds up to total

[Kerri]

I have 33 different dollar amounts listed along with their invoice numbers
and I need to figure out how many of those amounts add up to a check that I
received. For example, I have 33 different rows of numbers in 1 column that
add up to 53,545.69. Which rows of numbers add up to that?

I received a check for $11,646.54 but do not know which invoices it pays. Is
there an Excel formula that can tell me which ones could add up to that total?

Thanks for any help,

Kerri

 

[Teethless mama]

Google for SOLVER

 

[pmartglass]

I am not aware of a formula that does this
In the past when I have had to do similar things I use a helper column
I place an x in the helper column to conditionally sum the items I select
then I use a cell at the top to sum the x's
if column A is your invoice Number, Column B the Dollar amount then column C
would be my helper column

=sumif(c:c,"x",b:b)

sometimes I will use another cell to see what value I am still looking for

Good Luck
Hopefully someone else will have a better solution for you

 

[Herbert Seidenberg]

Excel 2007 Tables
With Harlan Grove's legendary macro,
adapted to '07.
http://www.mediafire.com/file/fymv5umrnwg/03_08_10.xlsm
Pdf preview:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/mmujoz3g2nm/03_08_10.pdf

 

[JLatham]

Kerri,
Not to seem facetious, but couldn't you contact the check writer and simply
ask them "which of your invoices are you paying"?

You realize that to be absolutely certain you've chosen the right ones, the
group that you find with the correct total MUST be the only combination that
comes up with that total? Which infers that you can't stop when you find "a"
solution...