Cell Linked to Text-Formatted Cell Shows Formula Not Value (135506)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 5.0
This article was previously published under Q135506

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. Therefore, 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.

WORKAROUND

To display the calculated value rather than the formula, you must change the format of the cell containing the formula and re-enter the formula. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Select the cell with the formula, and then 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 still displays the formula.
  3. Select the cell with the formula, press F2, and then press ENTER. The cell displays 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.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/17/2005
Keywords:kbinfo KB135506
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