concatenate or &

[workingboy]

Simple question on concatenate or &, because I could've sworn I was able to do this before, but unable to do so now.

In a chart, I want to reference in the title box a cell, along with additional text. So, for example, I would put in the formula bar: ="This is a test for "&sheet1!$a$2

When I press return, I get either a long box that gives me numerous reasons why it's not working, or a short box saying that this function is not valid (when I use concatenate instead of &). And single quotes around sheet 1 does not help it work. I'm sure I was able to do this before, but perhaps I'm using a new computer or a different Excel version that is making a difference. However, I know I had 2003 Excel on previous computer where this function was working, and still have 2003 Excel on this computer, so I don't think it's the version.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Greg Truby]

Well, I can nicely replicate your situation. I am not finding a solution, not even sneaking in with a named formula. I would just create a helper-cell with the concatenation and reference the helper-cell and get on down the road.

 

[Aladin Akyurek]

It works on my Excel 2003 as expected...

 

[Greg Truby]

Aladin, I am using XL2003 also, and my results are exactly as workingboy describes. If I try to enter a formula in the formula bar with the chart title selected I get the errors he is describing:<ul>[*]="A"&A1 --> verbose error;[*] =concatenate("a",A1) --> succint error message.[/list]

 

[just_jon]

Could this be a US vs European version issue?

 

[Greg Truby]

Hmmm, interesting thought. What are your results, Jon? If yours are as mine, then maybe we can drag Erik or Fairwinds into this too..

 

[just_jon]

Don't have 2003, but if the OP has US version then maybe, if he's on European then can't be...

 

[workingboy]

At least I know I'm not going crazy. As I've said before, I know I was able to do so before, but now unable to.

I have a US version of Excel 2003 with SP-2. Be glad to offer any other info if it helps.

I could take the easy way out and reference a single cell with all my stuff in it, but now this little problem bothers me.

 

[Aladin Akyurek]

At least I know I'm not going crazy. As I've said before, I know I was able to do so before, but now unable to.

I have a US version of Excel 2003 with SP-2. Be glad to offer any other info if it helps.

I could take the easy way out and reference a single cell with all my stuff in it, but now this little problem bothers me.

All my settings wrt OS and Office are US (English).

 

[Aladin Akyurek]

Aladin, I am using XL2003 also, and my results are exactly as workingboy describes. If I try to enter a formula in the formula bar with the chart title selected I get the errors he is describing:<ul>[*]="A"&A1 --> verbose error;[*] =concatenate("a",A1) --> succint error message.[/list]

Greg: you want me to send you a test workbook?