To copy fomula

[jojo]

I know this question is dumb, but it's really bothering me:
In excel, when we need to apply a fomula repeatedly, we should just drag
down the little square at the lower right hand side corner of a cell that
contains the fomula, right? I've been using this basic function for years,
but I don't know why it doesn't work in my new computer. The fomula is
actually copied as I can see, but the numbers don't change accordingly(it
copies the number result from the original cell), until I manually double
click each cell. This happens 90% of the time, with another 10% of time
working properly.
So is there any suggestion of what might be wrong with the excel setting or
the computer? Please please help. I will really appreciate it!

 

[Pierre]

I know this question is dumb, but it's really bothering me:
In excel, when we need to apply a fomula repeatedly, we should just drag
down the little square at the lower right hand side corner of a cell that
contains the fomula, right? I've been using this basic function for years,
but I don't know why it doesn't work in my new computer. The fomula is
actually copied as I can see, but the numbers don't change accordingly(it
copies the number result from the original cell), until I manually double
click each cell. This happens 90% of the time, with another 10% of time
working properly.
So is there any suggestion of what might be wrong with the excel setting or
the computer? Please please help. I will really appreciate it!

Instead of the copy down, highlite the cell containing the formula you
want to copy to the new cells. ctrl C to copy.
Now highlite all the new cells you want to apply the same formulas to,
but with their respective referenced cells. Edit. Paste Special.
Formulas. OK.

Pierre

 

[James]

Have you checked that calculation is not set to manual? If it is formulas
will not update.

To change to automatic go to Tools - Options - Calculation

 

[Gord Dibben]

jojo

Try F9 to calculate the sheet.

Sounds like you have Calculation mode set at "Manual".

Tools>Options>Calculation. Check "Automatic".

If you're wondering how it got/gets changed.

Excel takes the Calculation mode each session from the settings on the first
workbook opened in that session.

i.e. If you saved Book1 with calc mode in manual and opened it first, calc
mode would be in Manual.

If you saved Book2 with calc mode in auto and opened it after Book1, Book2
would be in manual mode(Excel ignores the auto calc mode in this case).

If you close Book1 before opening Book2, Book2 will be in auto calc mode.

Confusing enough? <g>

NOTE: if you are loading Personal.xls and its settings are at "manual",
change this to "Automatic" and re-save Personal.xls.


Gord Dibben Excel MVP

 

[jojo]

Hi James, how to check if the calculation is set to manual? Thank you!!

 

[jojo]

Hi Pierre,
Thank you. I tried, but still not working. Thanks anyways.

 

[jojo]

Hi Gord,
Thank you so much. I think it works now. You've really saved my brain cells
and hands because I've been thinking and trying for the whole day. Thanks
again. It's really helpful!

 

[WDI]

This is extremely useful information! I have uninstalled/reinstalled, and
had all the IT folks here And Excel users look at what was going on and
could never figure it out! Everytime I tried to drag a formula, it would
copy cells instead!
Thank you Thank you thank you- after 3 months of searching- my answer was
found!
WDI