Share via

I have an excel file which won't calculate formulas

Kate Patrick 20 Reputation points
2025-08-06T06:33:43.2533333+00:00

I have an excel file (derived from a Numbers file) which won't calculate the results of formulas. Not even simple =f4 . No error messages, just the only text that shows is the formula.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | MacOS
Accepted answer
  1. Arlene D 2,675 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-06T07:10:19.8066667+00:00

    Hi Kate, thanks for sharing.

    Did you check if the cell is formatted as Text? That’s usually the reason formulas show as plain text.

    Here’s what to do:

    • Select the cell with the formula.
    • Go to Home > Number Format and set it to General.
    • Press F2, then Enter.

    Also, make sure:

    • Formulas > Show Formulas is turned off.
    • Formulas > Calculation Options is set to Automatic.

    Hope it helps! Please let me know if you have further clarifications.

    Warm Regards,

    Arlene D.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

0 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

Your answer

Answers can be marked as Accepted Answers by the question author, which helps users to know the answer solved the author's problem.