Why do some people use Plus Sign at beginning of formulas?

[Captain Smith]

I have noticed that a handful of people at work enter a formula as =+A1+A2 instead of the way I would enter it =A1+A2

What is the origin of the extra plus sign at the beginning? To me it seems to be unproductive and is simply not needed. I have been using Excel for over 12 years and have never needed to enter any formulas like that. Does this originate back to a much older version of Excel where it was once needed?

Just curious.
Thanks.

 

[Michael M]

Kyle
I'm not so sure of that, as an equal sign is still required !!
and yes, it was a relevant question !

 

[Kyle123]

Why is an = sign required for, +A5+A6?

To be clear I'm not stating the technological reason for it, merely the preference of certain people for using it - it's easier to type +A5+A6 than =A5+A6 with a numberpad

 

[Michael M]

Obviously, I'm misunderstanding your point then ...

 

[RoryA]

How do you type A5 with a number pad?

 

[pgc01]

Hi

Why do I start some of my formulas with a "+"? It's quicker, easier (I can think of another reason: laziness).
In some non-English keyboards the "=" sign requires you to press Shift, while the "+" sign does not.
For a quick calculation it's just quicker to start with the "+", for which you just have to press 1 key (to press 2 keys would be such a lot of work! ).
Never underestimate the power of laziness!

 

[Kyle123]

At Rory, you click

 

[ExcelKnut]

Thanks for asking the question Captain Smith. I've been wondering about that for years. I finally searched for it today and found this post--started over 12 years ago.

Kyle123, good point. Strangely enough, when using the numeric keypad, and I type +2+2 Excel converts the formula to =2+2 and when I type ++2+2 it's automatically converted to =+2+2. So if I need a plus sign after equals I actually have to hit plus twice and therefore it appears to add an additional keystroke rather than save one.

 

[zenixx]

Hi

Why do I start some of my formulas with a "+"? It's quicker, easier (I can think of another reason: laziness).
In some non-English keyboards the "=" sign requires you to press Shift, while the "+" sign does not.
For a quick calculation it's just quicker to start with the "+", for which you just have to press 1 key (to press 2 keys would be such a lot of work! ).
Never underestimate the power of laziness!

After reading this, I looked to a file I got, and pretty much all the formulas in it start with neither just the "+" nor "=". Instead, the author of the file used "=+" in all instances........

 

[joeu2004]

I looked to a file I got, and pretty much all the formulas in it start with neither just the "+" nor "=". Instead, the author of the file used "=+" in all instances.

You cannot determine how the formula was entered after the fact. In a new workbook, if you enter literally +B1+C1 into A1, you will see that Excel, not you, changes the form to =+B1+C1.

Anyway, what difference does it make?

The only reason that I deprecate the use of "+" at the beginning of a formula is because later, users will see "=+", and they think they must do the same thing; that is, type "=+", not just "+". I have even seen "instructors" (anyone can teach an Excel class these days) use "=+" in their slides. Klunk!

 

[dhsilv2]

I think this goes back prior to loctus. Those 10 key calculators that believe it or not a LOT if not most accountants still have by their desk, have you enter the plus first often. I hated using those but you have that. You'll likely have your hand on the number pad so it's closer. heck for many they click on cells and the + is closer from the number pad to mouse.