You're probably OK using the range.
Consider this:
The SUM function will accept 30 arguments (versions prior to Excel 2007).
=SUM(A1,A2,A3,A4,A5)
In the above example the function has 5 arguments. Each is separated by the
comma. So, using that syntax you could go up to A30.
=SUM(A1:A5)
The example above has 1 argument and does the exact same thing as the
example that has 5 arguments.
=SUM(A1:A5,B6:B10,C11:C15)
The example above has 3 arguments. Each argument is a range of cells.
I think what you're having trouble with is you're thinking that each cell in
a *range* counts as 1 argument. In the very first example I posted that
would be the case. So:
=SUM(G1:G50)
Has 1 argument, not 50
For more specific help you'd need to post the formula you're using along
with an explanation of what you're trying to do.

Signature
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP
>I am working with a data set of 50 values and most formulas say they
> calculate through 30 points. Is it just calculating my first 30 points or
> is
> this negated when I enter the entire range- say G1:G50- versus inputting
> it
> in the format provided by the function key