XL: Cannot Evaluate 3-D References Using F9 Key

Last reviewed: September 13, 1996
Article ID: Q116116

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Excel, if you attempt to evaluate part of a formula by pressing the F9 key, you will receive a #REF! error if a 3-D reference is contained within the evaluated section. Microsoft Excel cannot evaluate 3-D references in this way.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft Excel allows you to evaluate part of a formula in order to see how that part of the formula is handled when the formula is entered. To see how this feature of Microsoft Excel works, do the following:

In a new worksheet, enter the following values:

   A1: 1   B1: =SUM(A1:A3)
   A2: 2
   A3: 3

Select cell B1.
In the formula bar, select A1:A3.
Press the F9 key.

Note that the "A1:A3" disappears and is replaced by "{1;2;3}". This indicates that the range A1:A3 is evaluated to the array of values 1, 2, and 3. (To return to editing mode, press the ESC key.)

KBCategory:
KBSubcategory:
Additional reference words: 5.00 three dimensional 3D

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Last reviewed: September 13, 1996
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