Formulas Appearing in Cell Instead of Result - EXCEL 2016 for Mac

Question

I am working in Excel 2016 for the Mac, version 16.20, build 181208.

I am experiencing frequent problems with formulas, or partial formulas, appearing in cells instead of the results. 

• This does not happen in all cells on the affected workbook, or on all workbooks.
• I have checked the cell format and it is not text, and is the same for cells that do not have problems.
• "Edit directly in Cells" is not checked.
• 

See cell V4. Cell U4 has a formula but shows results correctly..

Help!

Answer 1

Hi Danssmith1,

I 'm glad to help you. I have made a test using same version of Excel on MAC and the function of formula works regularly.

 For the issue you have, Please try following steps firstly:

                1. Select the cell.

                2. Format the cell as "General". (Right-click the cell, select Format Cells, and choose "General.")

                3. Delete the "=" at the beginning of your formula, and hit Enter.

                4. Insert the "=" back in the formula at the beginning.

If the cell still display formula, please provide us the sample problematic workbook so we can do more investigation by our side.

You can press CTRL + ` (grave accent) to see all the formula in the cell. Does the V4 show formula regularly?

Waiting for your feedback. Thx!

Regards,

Eric

Answer 2

The problem usually disappears once I close the file and reopen, so I cannot reproduce the situation.

Fixing the problem cell by cell is not a solution. I need to know what is wrong and how to fix it permanently.

Answer 3

Hi Danssmith1,

Does this issue happen in Excel online?  If application online works well, the local add-ins or 3rd parties may be the root causes. Please Open Excel for Mac in the Mac Safe Mode when you meet this issue and see if the cell display formula. Then remove all Excel add-ins following steps as bellow:    

1. Click the Insert tab, and then click My Add-ins.
2. In Office Add-ins, click the 3 dots menu next to the Add-in.
3. Click Remove.
4. Read the notice that appears regarding other devices and click Remove.

 you can share the sample problematic workbook for us to do more test.

Regards,

Eric

Answer 4

I do not use Excel on-line.

There are no local or party add-ins to blame.

The only add-in is the Data Analysis pack, which was added after this problem first showed up.

Answer 5

Hi Danssmith1,

Thanks for your update.

Recently, many users have an inconvenient experience on MAC Mojave. If your OS version is Mojave, Please notice that Mojave is presenting some issues with some Non-Apple apps, you could click HERE for details especially number 8 steps.

If it's appropriate, please share the related workbook with the issue for us to do more test.

3rd party link disclaimer:

Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the download you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to the download or the downloaded technology. If you need support relating to the third party technology, please contact the author directly.

Regards,

Eric