Excel Formulas Not Calculating? Here's Why and How to Fix It

Problem: Formula Shows as Text

Cause 1: Cell formatted as Text

Check cell format: Home → Number group. If it says “Text”, that's your problem.

Fix: Change format to General, then re-enter the formula (click the cell, press F2, then Enter).

Problem: Leading Space or Apostrophe

A space before the equals sign or an apostrophe (which forces text) prevents calculation.

Fix: Edit the cell (F2) and remove any leading characters before the =.

Problem: Show Formulas Mode Enabled

All formulas showing throughout the sheet? You're in Show Formulas mode.

Fix: Press Ctrl+` (backtick, above Tab) or Formulas → Show Formulas to toggle off.

Problem: Formulas Not Updating

Cause: Manual Calculation Mode

Check: Formulas → Calculation Options. If set to Manual, formulas only update when you press F9.

Fix: Change to Automatic. Or press F9/Shift+F9 to calculate now.

Problem: Circular Reference

Formula references itself (directly or through a chain). Excel shows 0 or the last calculated value.

Fix: Formulas → Error Checking → Circular References shows the location. Restructure formulas to break the circle.

Problem: Numbers Stored as Text

Formulas work but reference cells containing numbers that are actually text. Often shows a small green triangle.

Fix: Select the range → click the warning icon → Convert to Number. Or use VALUE() function.

Problem: Wrong Regional Settings

Using commas in formulas when your locale uses semicolons (or vice versa). Formula shows error or doesn't calculate.

Fix: Check your regional settings. In the US, =SUM(A1,B1). In Europe, often =SUM(A1;B1).

Problem: External Reference Not Updating

Formulas referencing other workbooks show old values.

Fix: Data → Edit Links → Update Values. Or open the source workbook.

Official Resources

• Calculation options — manual vs automatic
• Detect formula errors — error checking tools