There are a couple possible problems here. First, you were on the right
track by trying to change the cell format to Number. But you would need to
take it one step further by re-entering the formula. Excel won't apply the
new format to existing data if it was stored as text. Try hitting F2 then
enter within the appropriate cell. The edits and re-enters the formula
without having to re-type it.

If that doesn't work, then make sure that the "View Formulas" option is
turned off. Goto TOOLS, then OPTIONS, then select the "View" tab. Make sure
"Formulas" is not checked. Hit OK.

HTH
Elkar


"jk" wrote:

i am using excel 2003 at work and i'm trying to add a column of numbers. so i
go to formula--sum--highlight the column of numbers i want to use. that
usually works but this time, the sum is not showing up as a number but as the
actual formula.

so instead of sum as "100" (as an example), it will show as "=SUM(D3:D9)" in
any given cell.

yes, i tried "Format Cells." nothing changed.

thank you!