Why is there a plus for eg. =+F39, =+G22?

[KathleenMT]

Hi,

I'm using excel after a long hiatus, and I have what I think is a very
obvious question - that I can't seem to find an answer to.

I'm looking at a spreadsheet, and I see many cells with the following types
of values - eg. =+A22, =+B24, =+C33

My question is: why is the '+' there? Why not just say =A22, =B24, =C33?

Thanks in advance

 

[Mike H]

Hi,


It's simply a throwback to Lotus123 in which a formula was preceded by a
plus sign. It isn't necessary in excel but Excel tolerates it.

Mike

 

[Glenn]

Did you ever notice that if you type "+A1*3" into Excel (without the quotes) you
get "=+A1*3" but if you type "+3*A1" you get "=3*A1".

Why can't Excel drop the "+" when there is a cell reference at the beginning?

 

[Mike H]

Glen,

This is a completely different issue.

When you enter +3*a1 Excel drops the plus because it interprets it as a
positive number and doesn't retain the plus sign. Try entering -3*a1 and you
will note the minus sign is retained to indicate a negative number.

Why can't Excel drop the "+" when there is a cell reference at the beginning?

I don't know but speculate it is left there so as not to confuse users
migrating from Lotus123 to Excel.

Mike

 

[KathleenMT]

Thanks for your replies Mike H and Glen!

Glen,

This is a completely different issue.

When you enter +3*a1 Excel drops the plus because it interprets it as a
positive number and doesn't retain the plus sign. Try entering -3*a1 and you
will note the minus sign is retained to indicate a negative number.


I don't know but speculate it is left there so as not to confuse users
migrating from Lotus123 to Excel.

Mike