Excel Error

Formula shows as text

Excel displays the formula text instead of calculating it.

What Formula shows as text means

When a cell shows =SUM(A1:A2) literally instead of a result, the cell is formatted as Text, or Show Formulas is on, or the formula is missing its leading =.

Common causes

The cell format is set to Text.
Show Formulas (Ctrl+`) is turned on.
The formula doesn't start with =.

How to fix it

Change format to General

Set the cell to General, then re-enter the formula (press F2 then Enter).

Turn off Show Formulas

Press Ctrl+` (grave accent) to toggle formula display off.

FAQ

Why is my formula not calculating?

Most often the cell is formatted as Text. Switch to General and re-enter the formula.

Related errors

#VALUE!#NAME?