I have a very simple spreadsheet.



Col A Col B-Col F
Date #'s

I was not planning on implementing a formula. I was just using the sheet as a log.

After ~3 weeks of logging I decided to add a Col G that would average each row.

Problems:
1. Formatting
A. I didn't initially intend for the numbers to be stored as text even though I wasn't 'working' with them. Frankly, I thought that Excel handled a number entry as a number unless the cell was formatted otherwise? However, 98% of the cells have a comment indicator noting that the numbers are stored as text.

B. If I right click on the cell, Format, Number, Number, Okay--the 'stored as text' comment indicator remains even though I (thought obviously) just changed the format from Text to Number.

2. Calculation
A. I noticed the format problem when I attempted to Average the row of columns B-F. The Average result of the first row is incorrect. The sheet is averaging 5.0, 5.0, 4.5, 4.5 and 4.5 = 5.00. Further, whether I copy the average formula from row 1 to row 2 or manually insert another Average for row 2 it results in a #DIV/0! error.

B. I've tried reproducing the sheet in a separate area first formatting the area as Numbers, numbers but I still get the divide by 0 error. I don't get it. The cell containing the error formula is '=AVERAGE(B10:F10)'. Excel is supplying the divisor not me. There are no skipped or '0' value cells between B and F?

?

Mark