=+ in formula

[nelsok]

while looking through some spreadsheets not created by me, I found that some forumlas use the form =+c17+b18 or something similar?


why is their a leading + right after the =?

 

[Smitty]

It's a throwback to Lotus 1-2-3.

It's unnecessary now and Excel ignores it.

You'll see it a lot in imported Lotus workbooks.,

HTH,

Smitty

 

[Datsmart]

This is a carry-over from Lotus 123 which required the plus sign.

 

[nelsok]

thanks

 

[Mark W.]

In Excel, you start a formula with an equal sign (=). You can also start a formula with a plus sign (+), as you would in Lotus 1-2-3.

If "Transistion formula entry" is checked +ref will be converted to =ref. If not, it'll remain as =+ref