Starting Out Formulas

Summary: When entering a formula, the normal way to being is by typing the equal sign. There is another way to start formulas, however, that can make data entry easier when using the numeric keypad. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, and Excel 2003.)

When you are entering information in a cell, Excel recognizes the information as a formula if you start it with the equal sign. If you are entering lots of numeric information, you may find it a bother to continually move your hand away from the numeric keypad to enter the requisite equal sign for each cell.

One way to handle this is to begin each cell with a plus sign instead of the equal sign. When you press Enter at the end of the formula you are entering, Excel automatically converts the leading plus sign to an equal sign.

For those who use the numeric keypad to enter their formulas, this can be a real plus (no pun intended) since you don't have to move your hand to enter a leading plus sign, as you would for a leading equal sign.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2351) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

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Starting Out Formulas