H Sum

Arithmetic Calculation Check

Introduction 

In clinical studies, tables are an important part of submitting the study to the regulatory authorities. It is very important to make sure that a cell in a table that represents the sum of other cells presents the right value.

Purpose

Validates that the horizontal  sum of subgroups match the value of the subgroup parent.

Applicability 

Inclusion conditions 

• Tables with the following summation keywords:
  • Total
  • Combined
  • + (i.e. control + placebo) 
  • Any = mild + moderate + severe
  • Grades

Exclusion 

• Statistical values in row headers (mean, median, range, etc.) will exclude the entire row
• Values with a decimal point
• Non-numeric values (for example: NA)
• Empty table

Discrepancies

• Sum of children does not equal parent

Discrepancy Example

The total is 16, not 20.