Way to get "2" or "3" superscript & calculate numerically

[EIS]

I need to calculate Meters cubed (M3) or square footage (ft2) but when it is
entered as superscript, the number no longer calculates numerically (it
coverts to text).

 

[Gary''s Student]

=A1^2
or
=A1^3

is the Excel equivalent of "superscripting"

 

[EIS]

Thanks, but this wasn't what I was trying to do. I would like to use auto sum
on a group of numbers that include a number plus the meter abbreviation (m)
and the superscript 2 (squared) or 3 (cubed) to show the answer with this
same unit of measure. Unfortunately auto sum won't work because currently it
converts the number to text when I enter a superscript.

 

[Gord Dibben]

Have a look at my reply.

The custom formatting leaves the original number as a number.


Gord

 

[Bernard Liengme]

Let's say the first cell has 3.56 (and the units are metres-squared)
Select this cell and use Format | Cells | Custom ; in the Custom format box
enter this: 0.00 "m²"
I like a space after the last zero but some folks do not (its optional)
Make the ² by holding down the ALT key and pressing 0178 on the numeric pad
(a paid if you are using a notebook as you need to use the Fn key to get the
numeric pad)
The number will display as 3.56 m² and it will behave as a number
Use the Format Painter (paintbrush tool) to format the other cells

For power of 3 as in m³; use ALT+0179
Unfortunately this method cannot be used for 4 and above
best wishes

 

[Brad]

For all, it is important to use the leading zero - if not you get different
results....

 

[PBezucha]

I’d plead for being a bad custom to stuff a unit of measure into the same
cell as its (numeric) value. After all Excel does offer a logical formatting:
the preceding value on the right side, the following string unit on the left
side of their cells, all forming an optically tight junction. When you keep
the unit separate, you have no problem with calculations, using superscripts,
copying the units, etc.

Regards