What does =+ cell reference mean?

[gr8one]

I have been noticing some Excel spreadsheets have normal references to other cells (e.g. =A1) while others have =+A1 in a cell. I have been trying to figure out what the "+" does in the cell reference and it doesn't seem to do anything. Does anyone know?

Using Excel 2003.

Thanks

"First time submitter, long time reviewer of MrExcel advice"

 

[Oaktree]

Welcome to the board.

It's really nothing. You can use the + symbol (instead of =) to start entering a formula. If you do so, Excel will list the formula as =+ in the formula bar.

Two reasons people may use the + to enter a formula:
1) The + sign is on the number key pad, which makes it easier if they're just entering numbers
2) They were born before c. 1975 and started learning spreadsheets on Lotus