Excel can't divide by non integer numbers anymore

[Michiel via OfficeKB.com]

Can anyone please shine a light on this. It drives me crazy.

When I try to type a formula in an EXISTING worksheet that devides by a
broken number Excel refuses the calculation stating the formula is not
correct.

I get this when I e.g. type this simple formula: '+1/2.5'

When I leave out the division it does accept the number. These formulas are
accepted:
'+2.5'
'+2*2.5'

If I replace the '+' by '=' it is also accepted.

When I open a new worksheet and type '+1/2.5' the formula gets accepted also.

Anyone any idea?

Thanks!

 

[Roger Govier]

Hi Michiel

In Excel, all formulae should begin with =
Typing + is a legacy from the way data entry worked in Lotus 123.
The + sign is totally superfluous in Excel.

 

[FSt1]

hi
abandon the plus sign. this is a lotus feature. excel uses the equal sign
instead.
there was a time when excel copied lotus extensively even down to the date
bug that lotus had. but as time has moved on, excel has slowly abandoned
lotus. excel 07 no longer supports lotus formats but some of lotus's features
are still in excel ....as you seems to have discovered.
but i think you will find that excel is much more consistant with the equal
sign than the plus sign.

Regards
FSt1

 

[Michiel via OfficeKB.com]

Hi Roger and FSt1,

Thanks so much for your reply.
Yes,... I must confess I have a Lotus 1-2-3 past....

ML.