Hi all,

This is something basic and I have only found out today. Oh well, I am still a newbie.

Scenario 1

If I format a brand new blank cell as TEXT and key in a number say 2006, the format is text. ISTEXT( ) returns TRUE.

Scenario 2

If I key in 2006 to a brand new blank cell which has a default format of general and then format the cell as TEXT, the format is NOT text. ISTEXT( ) returns FALSE. I have always been under the impression that by formatting a cell to text regardless of when, I have got text.

This revelation is important to formula writing.

For example, in my SUMPRODUCT formula I have to check for "2006" (with quotes) for scenario 1 if I want a match; I have to check for 2006 (without quotes) for scenario 2.

COUNTIF doesn't care if I have quotes or not for both scenarios.

So, formatting a cell to text *after* I have keyed in a number doesn't make it text?

Experts, I appreciate your comments on my "discovery" as I feel that I may still have missed a piece of the puzzle. Also, please let me know if you think of any other similar subtleties.

Thanks.

Epinn