Recalculations due to changes to non-referenced cells

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Guest

When I add or delete alpha or numeric characters in totally blank cells well
outside of any range of cells that contain data and formulas, the master
worksheet recalculates and returns a different result, as if I had revised a
cell that is referenced somewhere. In other words, if I type an alpha
character or a number in any cell that was previously blank and is referenced
by no other cells anywhere in the spreadsheet (a cell that should be
completely irrelevant to the entire spreadsheet's calculations), this causes
the master worksheet to recalculate and return a different result, just as if
I had modified a value referenced in a formula somewhere. I've picked dozens
of empty non-referenced cells at random and established that the problem
occurs regardless of which blank cell is modified, and even which worksheet
the blank cell is on.

Also, when I "undo" the "irrelevant" character, the master worksheet
recalculates again, and comes up with a value different than the one it had
before I added the "irrelevant" character. If I "redo," it recalculates
again, and this time comes up with yet a third value. Then, if I "undo" a
second time, it recalculates and returns back to the original value it showed
before I added the "irrelevant" character in the first place. I can continue
toggling back and forth between "undo" and "redo" this way and it will yield
the same progression of those three results. Might this have something to do
with the spreadsheet's use of iternation?

I hope I'm being clear with this description of the problem. If not, please
do ask any questions that might clarify things. Thanks so much for any help
you can offer.
 
Based on your description, two possiblities come to mind. Either you've got
a Random Function in play somewhere, or you've got a circular reference with
Iterations turned on.

Since you've said you noticed a discernable pattern, that probably rules out
the Random function.

Is "Iteration" turned on? (TOOLS->OPTIONS->CALCULATION)
If so, then you've probably got a circular reference somewhere. This is
where a formula refers to itself either directly or indirectly. Thus,
whenever the sheet recalculates, it uses it's previous result to calculate a
new result.

In Excel 2003 and 2007 (not certain about older versions) a "Circular
Reference" indicator should appear on the bottom-left of the Status Bar
showing where the CR is located.

HTH,
Elkar
 
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