Cause: The default cell reference style (A1), which refers to columns as letters and refers to rows as numbers, was changed. Solution: Clear the R1C1 reference style selection in Excel preferences.
By default, Excel uses the A1 reference style, which refers to columns as letters, and refers to rows as numbers . These letters and numbers are called row and column headings.
This of course begs the query “Why do I see numbers instead of numbers in Excel?”
Basic Excel tip: if you’re looking at an Excel spreadsheet and instead of seeing numbers you’re only seeing ######, it usually means the number is wider than the column. All you need to do is increase the column width in order to see the number instead.
Why excel columns are numbers not letters?
Therefore, if you happen to use Excel 2013 and notice that columns are labeled with numbers rather than letters, it can make it difficult for you to manually create formulas. Fortunately this change is caused by a setting called R1C1 reference style that has been enabled on the Excel Options menu.
Why are my column labels showing as numbers instead of letters?
Microsoft Excel can be configured to display column labels as numbers instead of letters. This feature is called “R1C1 Reference Style”, and though it can be useful, it can also be confusing if inadvertently enabled. This document contains instructions for disabling the “R1C1 Reference Style” feature in the following versions of Microsoft Office:.
It all has to do with the Excel options. To change the column numbers back to letters chose File (the Office Button in Excel 2007) and choose Options > Formulas and disable the checkbox for R1C1 Reference Style. On the Mac click Excel > Preferences > General and deselect the Use R1C1 Reference Style checkbox.