Skip to main content
Best answer

Formatter error: Failed to create a number transform in Formatter by Zapier The app returned "Invalid Formula: sum requires at least 2 arguments".”

  • September 15, 2022
  • 5 replies
  • 334 views

Forum|alt.badge.img

Looking for help to figure out how to do something that should be relatively simple. 

I have an invoice (in Invoice Ninja) with several line items. Each line item has a quantity value. In Zapier I want to be able to add up these quantities to get the total quantity of items. Just one number.

As I understand it, the ‘spreadsheet-style-formula’ transformation is supposed to handle this kind of line-item calculation. 

I’m using the formula “=sum(2. Line Items Quantity:1,2,3,4,0))” to try add each quantity together. The output should be one number (10). I’ve also tried removing the = sign before sum.

I’m getting the error: “

Failed to create a number transform in Formatter by Zapier

The app returned "Invalid Formula: sum requires at least 2 arguments".”

I’ve tried many different things including removing commas and changing syntax without success. 

Any ideas? I don’t want to have to move the line items to an interim spreadsheet to do this.

Thanks.

 

Best answer by clearsparkBest answer by clearspark

The math operation function didn’t work either.

For anyone looking for an answer on this, by using the transform ‘line item to text’, I was able to then use the array in the sum operation.

View original
Did this topic help you find an answer to your question?
This post has been closed for comments. Please create a new post if you need help or have a question about this topic.

5 replies

Troy Tessalone
Forum|alt.badge.img+14
  • Zapier Expert
  • 31123 replies
  • September 15, 2022

Hi @clearspark 

Good question.

Try using this Zap action: Formatter > Numbers > Perform Math Operation

 


Forum|alt.badge.img
  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 2 replies
  • Answer
  • September 16, 2022

The math operation function didn’t work either.

For anyone looking for an answer on this, by using the transform ‘line item to text’, I was able to then use the array in the sum operation.


jesse
Forum|alt.badge.img+9
  • Architect
  • 1348 replies
  • September 26, 2022

Thanks for coming back to update us in this thread, @clearspark! I’m sure others will benefit from this as well so I will go ahead and mark your response as a “Best Answer”. 🙂


  • New
  • 1 reply
  • March 11, 2024
clearspark wrote:

The math operation function didn’t work either.

For anyone looking for an answer on this, by using the transform ‘line item to text’, I was able to then use the array in the sum operation.

I am facing the same issue. I tried with both the maths operation function “ADD” and the spreadsheet formula “SUM”. Should be straight forward.  

I see you mention the transform -  “line item to text”. However it doesn’t seem to be available though? I only have the following options: 

 

 


@EvanLuff , you need to change “App&Event” to “Utilities”, then you find the option in “Action”