When a spreadsheet displays the formula `=VLOOKUP(…)` instead of the expected lookup result, it indicates that the cell formatting is treating the formula as text. This typically occurs when the cell format is set to “Text” before the formula is entered. Alternatively, the formula might be preceded by an apostrophe, explicitly forcing it to be treated as text. For example, if cell A1 contains “Apple” and cell B1 contains `’=VLOOKUP(A1,C1:D5,2,FALSE)`, the cell will display the formula itself, not the value from column D corresponding to “Apple” in the lookup range C1:D5.
Correctly displaying calculated values is fundamental to spreadsheet functionality. Inaccurate displays can lead to misinterpretations of data, impacting decisions based on the spreadsheet. This issue highlights the importance of proper cell formatting and awareness of how spreadsheets handle formulas and text. Historically, spreadsheet programs have evolved to offer greater control over cell formatting, providing users with tools to customize how data is displayed and interpreted. Troubleshooting this problem emphasizes the necessity of understanding the interaction between cell content and formatting options.