Getting "=A1" instead of "4"

[Alexander E. Barnes]

It's doing it again.

When I type "=A1" (without quotes) into cell B1 I get "=A1" (without quotes)
instead of what's in B1.

When I first checked the format showed as text. I've changed it to number
and general without success.

In addition to replying here, since my newsgroup access is extremely
limited, a reply to <[email protected]> would be most appreciated.

T.i.A.
Alexander <[email protected]>

 

[Newbie]

do you have the show formula's switched to on?

 

[Niek Otten]

After reformatting, you'll have to re-enter the formula. Or hit F2 and Enter

--

Kind Regards,

Niek Otten

Microsoft MVP - Excel

 

[Newbie]

To switch between Displaying formula press

Ctrl + ` (grave accent)

HTH

 

[Jim Rech]

Chances are that the cell you're *referencing* has the Text number format
(A1). If the cell with the formula has only the General format (initially)
it will "take" the source cell's number format. So, either change the
source cell's format to something else other than text, or change the
formula cell's to Number, etc. And then re-enter the formula if necessary.

 

[Alexander E. Barnes]

Thanks for that information.

That appears to affect the whole sheet.

My problem appears in only certain columns, maybe only certain cells.

Alexander

 

[Alexander E. Barnes]

Thanks for the reply.

Did you mean the switch referred to by Newbie? That seems to affect the
whole sheet. My problem is in only limited parts of the sheet.

Alexander

 

[Dave Peterson]

You can select your problem cells, and format them as general.

Then Edit|Replace
=
with
=

And excel will see them as formulas again.

But if you edit those formulas, you may end up with the same "text" problem.
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