Judy,

Lets say we want 99 and the symbol * in c4 and it to be included when you
execute your sum formula. Here's what you CAN'T do. You can't simply type

99*

in the cell because that changes it to text.

What you can do is select the cell (or range of cells) and then right click
the cell(s)
Format
Number Tab
Custom
and in the input box (top right) enter the format I gave you

0.0" *"

OK

Now when you enter a number in the cell it will appear with the symbol BUT
Excel will still treat it as a number.

Because you have been experimenting you may have changed the range to TEXT
so before you start re-format the range as GENERAL and try again.

Mike

"judyl" wrote:

I have a column of numbers and a "totals" row at the bottom that contains
=sum(C4:C21). When I add a symbol it appears to not see the number.

"Mike H" wrote:

Hi,

Doing this as a format means the symbol is ignored when doing any
calculation on the cell so I don't understand what you mean by

It still subtracts the number in the total.

Perhaps you could give a fuller explanation of what your trying to do.

Mike

"judyl" wrote:

That didn't work :( It still subtracts the number in the total.

"Mike H" wrote:

Hi,

Do it with a format.

Right click your cell - Format - Number tab -select Custom
enter this custom format alter to include the symbol you wannt

0.0" Your Symbol"

OK

Mike

"judyl" wrote:

I'm trying to insert a symbol next to a number in a cell that is totaled.
When I attempt this the number is not then recognized for the correct total.
Do I need to change my SUM fx in some way to correct this?