Spreadsheet displaying formula and not calculating

[ITWater]

Hi

I have created a report from a web site and exported it into Excel.

When I save to my local machine and attempt to write a VLOOKUP, the cell merely displays the whole formula for example =VLOOKUP(blah blah blah)

Anyone seen this before of know why it doesn't accept formula's?

Thanks

 

[Richard Schollar]

Hi

Is the cell formatted as Text? Can you enter a formula anywhere else on the sheet and the formula works (any formula, even =1+1)?

To correct, format the cell as General or your preferred number format and reenter the formula.

 

[AndrewMalko]

Check that the sheet is not set to display formulas.

Under the options menu (Tools dropdown), check the view tab and look at the bottom for window options. A checkmark next to Formulas means formulas will display in the cells of the worksheet.

 

[ITWater]

Indeed it is formatted as text, many thanks