It sounds like the cell is formatted as text so Excel ignores the formula.

In the Format/Cells/Number option box change the cell's format to a non-text
format such as 'General', then edit the cell by pressing F2 and press enter.
That should do it.

HTH,

TK

"Keys1970" wrote:

I am encountering a situation where I create a simple Excel forumla, for
example, =sum(A1:A3). I create the formula by 1) typing it in OR 2) type
equal sign and go select another cell on another tab OR 3) copy/paste from
another formula (that is working). Case 3 seems to work, but then I have to
edit the formula to get the exact cell reference address. The results of
cases 1 and 2 a the formula is shown (not the calculation).

I have reviewed Tools\Options. I have Automatic Calculation selected and
Windows Options Formulas box is not checked. I claim to have installed all
suggested MS Office updates. Any ideas? Thanks.

Troy