Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 25, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Want to try an experiment? Enter something in a cell, but make sure that you start a new line somewhere within the cell. For instance, enter 123 then press Alt+Enter and press 456. You should see two lines within the cell, with three digits on each line. Now, in another cell, put a simple formula that references the first cell, as in =A7.
What happened after you entered the formula? The results of the formula should not look the same as what you typed in the first cell. Instead of being on two lines, the contents should be on one line, separated by a small, rectangular box. (See Figure 1.)
Figure 1. Odd characters: replaced in the formula?
It is interesting to note that this experiment works because when you press Alt+Enter to put in your first cell's value, Excel automatically turns on text wrapping for the cell. You can verify this by selecting the cell and choosing Format | Cells | Alignment tab (pay attention to the Wrap Text check box). When you used the formula, however, the cell into which the results were copied did not have this attribute turned on, so the character created by Alt+Enter was displayed as a text character instead of controlling wrapping.
If you turn on text wrapping for the target cell, then the text in the formula's cell will display on two lines, just like you would expect. Conversely, if you turn off text wrapping in the original cell, then the text folds back up to one line and the small, rectangular box appears.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3206) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Dive Deep into Macros! Make Excel do things you thought were impossible, discover techniques you won't find anywhere else, and create powerful automated reports. Bill Jelen and Tracy Syrstad help you instantly visualize information to make it actionable. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, real-world case studies, and 50 workbooks packed with examples and solutions. Check out Microsoft Excel 2019 VBA and Macros today!
Looking for a formula that can return the address of a cell containing a text string? Look no further; the solution is in ...
Discover MoreExcel allows you to enter two different types of formulas in a cell: A regular formula or an array formula. If you need ...
Discover MoreSometimes it is helpful to see the actual formulas in a cell, rather than the results of those formulas. Here's how to ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments