What causes Excel not to recognize a formula?

[WaltW]

I have an Excel sheet that doesn't recognize the = sign as a formula. For example, I type "=SUM(B1:B12)" into the cell, and instead of the sum of cells B1 thru B12, I get the text "=SUM(B1:B12)" displayed in the cell. Same for any other formula. How do I get this Excel sheet to start recognizing a formula when it sees one?

Thanks!
-Walt

 

[SkipVought]

Hi,

Change the Format > Cells - Number Tab...

from TEXT to GENERAL.

Skip,
[sup]Don't let the Diatribe...
talk you to death![/sup][sub]
Just traded in my old subtlety...
for a NUANCE![/sub]

 

[WaltW]

Thanks Skip. I had already tried that - first it was formatted as Number, then I tried General, and Text, and none of it made any difference. I'm stumped!

-Walt

 

[SkipVought]

Tools > Options - View TAB: Window Options UNCHECK Formulas

Skip,
[sup]Don't let the Diatribe...
talk you to death![/sup][sub]
Just traded in my old subtlety...
for a NUANCE![/sub]

 

[WaltW]

Found my "problem" (if you can call it that). The "Show Formulas" option was selected ... now I feel dumb. Sorry!

-Walt