Microsoft KB Archive/213970

= XL2000: Cell Linked to Text-Formatted Cell Shows Formula Not Value =

Article ID: 213970

Article Last Modified on 9/27/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Excel 2000 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q213970





SYMPTOMS
In Microsoft Excel, if you enter a formula that links one cell to a cell that is formatted as text, 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. In the Category list, click the format that you want the cell to display, and then click OK.

The cell still displays the formula.
 * 1) Select the cell with the formula, press F2, and then press ENTER.

The cell displays the value.

Additional query words: XL2000

Keywords: kbprb KB213970

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