how do i copy the actual text of a formula?

[showsomeidnow]

....that probably does not make much sense. let me explain. say i have
a formula which adds up cells A2:A10. How do i copy the formula of the
actual text ' =SUM(A2:A10)'
I wish to paste it into a cell as text. even if use the paste special
command i just get gobbledygook. Currently, I am highlighting, say,
=SUM(A2:A10) in the forumla bar and attempting to paste it into a
cell. I was able to copy and paste into this box i am typing without
any problems and into Word etc.

 

[Guest]

hi,
place an apostrophe in front of the equals sign. excel will then look on the
formula as text. you can then copy and paste as text. to get it back to a
formula...remove the apostrophe.
to view all your formula in the cells .... Ctrl+~

regards
FSt1

 

[Bob I]

Copy the formula bar of the source cell, select the destination cell,
click in the formula bar, and paste there, THEN put in your quotes.

 

[showsomeidnow]

thanks both fst1 and bob I. yes, it' very difficult to NOT upset the
answer in the source cell when you copy its formula. tried the
apostrophe idea and it worked great, thanks. Bob I, sorry, it's me
being stupid could you re-explain that solution - i did try but i am
clearly doing something wrong - the answer in the source cell (of say
formula =sum(a2:a10)) keeps on getting upset. do you mean put in an
apostrophe in front of the equals sign and at the end also? sorry and
thanks again both of you.

 

[Bob I]

select source cell, then drag cursor across the formula bar contents so
it's highlighted, r-click and pick copy, press Esc key to "release" the
selection, now pick the cell you want to put the "text", you may now
paste into the formula bar and insert the single quote or apostrophe and
press enter.

 

[showsomeidnow]

Bob I, got it now! thank you so much for the (re)explanation.

 

[Bob I]

You're welcome, have a good one!

 

[David McRitchie]

See GetFormula user defined function on my page
http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/formula.htm