On the status bar, look at the value next to Sum=. If you see a date instead of the result that you expected, select the cell, and then on the Home tab, under Number, click General on the pop-up menu. If you used the example numbers, the result is 2. In cell E1, type an equal sign ( =) to start the formula. When you use cell references in a formula instead of the cell value, you can change the value without having to change the formula. If you use the example numbers, the result is 32.Ī cell reference combines the column letter and row number, such as A1 or F345. The total is 86.Ĭlick any blank cell, and then type an equal sign ( =) to start a formula.Īfter the equal sign, type a few numbers that are separated by a minus sign (-). On the status bar, look at the value next to Sum. Type a few numbers in a column, or in a row, and then select the range of cells that you just filled. If you see a date instead of the result that you expected, select the cell, and then on the Home tab, select General. If you change the value of C1 or D1 and then press RETURN, the value of E1 will change, even though the formula did not.
