My guess is that the cell in question is formatted as text.
Format the cell as General, then re-enter the formula (F2 or click in the
formula bar, then enter).
--
David Biddulph

"Damaris" wrote in message
...
....
Another problem I have been having is when I use the Auto Sum and select
various cells the formula returns a value such as, =SUM(C27,C12,C15,C3)
instead of returning the value of these cells in this case $5,865. I've
had
the same problem occur when using the vlookup formula it returns the value
of
the vlookup formula (as if I had used the ctrl+~) instead of returning the
value I requested (in this case it would have been a word).

This is very frustrating as all of my daily work activities are performed
using intricate formulas in excel and these MUST do what I ask or I cannot
perform my job duties.

Please explain why excel 2007 is doing this and is there something I can
do
to stop if from doing this.

Thanks, Damaris