Convert text formula to value in excel

[bellawala]

I suspect this is an easy question, but I can't find it anywhere.

If cell A1 contains the text "=A2"
and cell A2 contains "random data"
I want to be able to have something in cell A3 to the effect of INTERPRET(A1) and have it return "random data" while staying in excel.

thanks!

 

[mikerickson]

You could use Names

Select A3 and define the name
Name: EvalTwoRowsAbove
RefersTo: =EVALUATE(Sheet1!A1)

and then put the formula =EvalTwoRowsAbove in A3

 

[bellawala]

Cool! I didn't even know about Evaluate.

thanks!

 

[mikerickson]

Its a hang-over from Excel4 macros and can only be accessed with Names (and VBA).