XL: Function Wizard Inserts Equation as Text in IF() Function

ID: Q129435

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
• Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a
• Microsoft Excel for Windows NT, version 5.0
• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0b

SYMPTOMS

In the versions of Microsoft Excel listed at the beginning of this article, if you use a formula as a True or False argument in an IF statement, the formula may be converted to text.

For example, if you use A2*1000/A3 as the false argument of an IF statement, it may be entered in the IF statement with quotation marks around it, as in the following example:

   =IF(A1=0,0,"A2*1000/A3")

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, do either of the following:

• Enter the formula manually

      -or-
  

• Edit the IF statement that is created by the Function Wizard and remove the quotation marks from the formula.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the products listed at the beginning of this article.

REFERENCES

For more information about the Function Wizard, choose the Search button in Microsoft Excel Help and type:

   function wizard

Keywords          : kbtool xlformula 
Version           : WINDOWS:5.0,5.0c,7.0; MACINTOSH:5.0,5.0a
Platform          : MACINTOSH WINDOWS

Last Reviewed: August 16, 1998