What does this usage mean?

[anitaden]

Hi, when the function used in an Excel cell is something like =+C1 or =+H1*C1, what does it mean? Result seems to be same as =C1 or =H1*C1. I am interested in knowing what difference the starting + symbol make?

Thanks very much.

 

[Smitty]

Welcome to the Board!

The + is a holdover form Lotus 1-2-3. Excel recognizes it, but doesn't do anything with it. It stems from Lotus' ability to enter a formula directly off of the 10-Key pad as opposed to having to goto the = key, then back to the 10-key. (It was a way to pull Lotus customers to Microsoft software...)

You can get a similar action with Tools-->Options-->Transition.

There was a fairly detailed discussion on this a few weeks ago, if I can find it I'll post the link.

Hope that helps,

Smitty