XL98: Cell Linked to Text-Formatted Cell Shows Formula Not Value

• Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, if you enter a formula that links one cell to a cell that is formatted with the Text number format, the cell that contains the link is also formatted as text. If you then edit the formula in the linked cell, the formula is displayed in the cell rather than the value that is returned by the formula.

CAUSE

When you link cells in Microsoft Excel, the format of the original cell is applied to the linked cell. Thus, if you enter a formula that links one cell to a cell formatted as text, the cell with the formula is also formatted as text.

MORE INFORMATION

To display the value in a text formatted cell rather than the formula, follow these steps:

1. Select the cell with the formula and click Cells on the Format menu.



2. Click the Number tab. Select the format code that you want the cell to display, and then click OK.
   
   The cell should still display the formula.



3. Select the cell with the formula, press F2, and then press ENTER.
   
   The cell should display the value.



4. In the same cell, click Cells on the Format menu.
   
   The cell format category will be Text.



5. Specify the category and format options for the cell and then click OK.

Additional query words: XL98

Keywords : kbdta xlformat xlformula
Version : MACINTOSH:98
Platform : MACINTOSH
Issue type : kbprb