I just noticed we have very different systems

Nope. Never got a response and it wasn't crucial for work purposes so I forgot about it.

Thank you very much for your reply.

So I did some more quick Google-ing and I think I got it now...

1. Create a table in Word - the cells are identified the same as they are in Excel, Word just won't show it explicitly (A1, A2, B1, B2, etc.)

2. Use the Text Form Field to insert fields where your numbers will go. Make sure you select "Calculate on Exit" in the Form Field Options for each one. This allows auto-calculations to occur where you will have your function.

3. Table-->Formula or Insert-->Field-->Formula in the cell where you want your final calculation to be done.

Full tutorial here

This only works within single tables, not across multiple tables, which still doesn't completely solve my problem.

First: Thank you for taking the effort to find more info. I am only using
a single table, but apparently the options for Word 2003 are different
from 2007. I don't have the "field" or "formula" options. When I try
"equation" and put =sum(above) in the cell where I want my total;
those very words and symbols stay in the cell and there is no math
calculation. I tried enter numbers in the cells above, but no total
appeared? Thanks again

I'm using Word 2003 too. To enter a formula you need to select either Table --> Formula or Insert --> Field (Formula). Then you can type "=SUM(above)" or whatever you want.

You don't have these options at all??

No. notice on the header, next to my name - I have Vista
and Word 2007.