Try this:

Enter a 1 into any blank cell
Copy that cell
Select your range of numbers with the apostrophes
From the Edit Menu, choose "Paste Special"
Check the "Values" and "Multiply" options
Click OK
Delete the 1 that you entered originally

HTH,
Elkar


"kcip" wrote:

there's an "invisible" apostrophy or other character in front of each
number.....how do I get rid of these characters so that I can use the "sum"
function?