Not linking another sheet in my formula

Wendy Newman 20 Reputation points
2025-09-30T16:26:33.9233333+00:00

I have my cells formatted for General, but when I try to write a formula using the = sign to link another cell in another sheet within the same workbook, it only displays the link, not the value. I have also checked to see if the calculation is set to automatic, and I do. The calculation option is also set for Version 1 in both sheets. How do I fix this?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | MacOS
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Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2025-10-01T00:31:35.89+00:00

Dear @Wendy Newman

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum! 

Thank you for reaching out regarding the issue where Excel formulas are displaying as text instead of calculating the value. I understand how this can disrupt your workflow, and I’d like to help you resolve it as quickly as possible. To assist you better, could you please send me: 

  • A screenshot of the affected Excel sheet showing the formula. 
  • Your macOS version and Office version. 
  • A specific example of the formula you're using. 

This will help me verify the formatting and settings and guide you more accurately. 

Besides that, here are a few steps you can try first to see that if it can fix this issue: 

1.You should ensure the cell is not formatted as Text. It should be set to General or Number.  

2.You should check show Formulas mode because Excel may be set to show formulas instead of results. To do this, you can go to the Formulas tab and click the “Show Formulas” button to turn it off. 

3.Make sure the formula starts directly with = and doesn’t have any space or apostrophe before it. For example: =Sheet2!A1 

4.It may be from sheet protection or workbook issues:  

  • If the sheet is protected or the workbook is corrupted, formulas may not calculate. 
  • You may try copying the formula to a new workbook or check under Review > Unprotect Sheet. 

I hope this information can help you in this case. Wish you a pleasant day! 


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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 437.7K Reputation points
    2025-09-30T17:51:09.9033333+00:00

    On the Formulas tab click the Show Formulas tool to turn that feature off.

    If that isn't the solution please include macOS & Office Version Numbers in your reply as well as a specific example of the formula.

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