In excel, the formula of a cell * by 5 then - 15 won't calculate .

[Guest]

In Excel, I'm trying to enter a formula whereby the number in a cell is
multiplied by 5 then subtract 15. Example: =E50*5-15. It will not
calculate and appears in the cell as typed. The cell I'm entering it in is
formatted as a number. Why won't it calculate?

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi
try:
=1E50*5-15

But you're fully aware that your -15 won't have any REAL effect on this
calculation. The result will be
5E50
and subtracting 15 from this number is useless

 

[Aladin Akyurek]

Run the following recipe:

1. Set Calculation to Automatic.

2. Format the formula cell as General, go the Formula Bar, and hit F2.

 

[Greg]

In Excel, I'm trying to enter a formula whereby the number in a cell is
multiplied by 5 then subtract 15. Example: =E50*5-15. It will not
calculate and appears in the cell as typed. The cell I'm entering it in is
formatted as a number. Why won't it calculate?

Format the cell as General, then highlight the cell and press F2 and
then press Enter.

 

[Gord Dibben]

The cell with the formula showing may have originally formatted as text.

Changing to Number or General format is not enough.

Format as General then hit F2 then <ENTER> to re-enter the formula.

One more suggestion........

Hit CRTL + `(backquote above TAB key) to toggle formula view on/off.

Gord Dibben Excel MVP

 

[Guest]

The calculation does work and gives me the desired results. I received other
responses which helped fix the problem.