vlookup returns formula instead of value

[mmurph]

When I enter vlookup formula, why does the formula appear in the cell as
opposed to the value that is returned?
for example, I entered in the cell =VLOOKUP(C2,stock,3,false); when I hit
enter, the cell still shows =VLOOKUP(C2,stock,3,false), when it should so the
looked up value of "S".

 

[PCLIVE]

Cell is probably formatted as Text. Right-click the cell then go to Format
Cells. Number Tab.
Set to General. Click OK. Press F2. Press Enter.

HTH,
Paul

 

[Gary''s Student]

The cell was formatted to Text before the VLOOKUP formula was typed in.
Clear the cell. Then set the format to General. Then type the VLOOKUP
formula again.



Also make sure the display mode is not Equation....Toggle CNTRL-`

 

[Bob Umlas, Excel MVP]

You're either looking at the FORMULA layer of Excel (toggle is ctrl/~) or the
cell is formatted as Text - try Format/Cells, change to General, then
re-enter the formula ({F2}/enter)

 

[mmurph]

I didn't realize that I needed to format the cell before entering the
formula...I just kept trying to format it with the formula already entered.
Thank you for your help...it worked.

 

[Gord Dibben]

Normally you don't need to format the cell as General before entering a formula.

Excel tries to help you if you have Tools>Options>Edit>Extend Data Range Formats
and Formulas.

The cell gets formatted as Text due to formatting around it in other cells..


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP