Why is my multiplication formula in Excel giving me a time and not a ?

Question

I'm working through Project 1 of the Excel training linked here within the Course Materials.

I'm on section "4.1.1 Insert relative, absolute, and mixed references"

Within the Educator Materials, it provides instructions on how to complete the task and reads the following:

• ☒  In the Shipping Cost worksheet, cell E2, calculate the shipping cost for the Red Line, in cell F2 calculate the shipping cost for the Blue Line, in cell G2 calculate the shipping cost for the Green Line. Then, use Auto Fill to complete the formulas for the remaining rows.
• 1.     In the Shipping Cost worksheet, place the cursor in cell E2, then enter the formula “=D2$B$11__”__*
• 2.     Place the cursor in cell F2, then enter the formula “=D2$B$12__”__*
• 3.     Place the cursor in cell G2, then enter the formula “=D2$B$13”*
• 4.     Place the cursor in cell E2, then position the pointer at the bottom right corner of the cell. The pointer will change to a small black cross. Drag the pointer across to cell E8, then release the pointer to complete the action
• 5.     Repeat steps for F2 and G2.

The problem is when I enter the formula, it does not give me the number for the cells being multiplied and instead, provides me a time. How do I correct Excel to give me the multiple of the cells and not a time?

Answer 1

The step by step solution doc says the formula in E2 should be "=D2*$B$11". What you have written is not a valid formula. You need to make the same adjustment in F2 and G2.

Answer 2

Solution: Right click on the cell, click on "format cells", and change from 'time' to 'number'. This will change from time format to a calculated value.

I hope this helps!