What's this called (hashtag column) and what's the advantage. And how do I turn it OFF?

Screenshot 2023-10-24 095038.png

E2#

When I'm selecting a column via mouse, I sometimes get this. Why?

That's the first question.

The second question is when I'm selecting a column via mouse, I sometimes don't get this. Why?

Third, what's the point of this?

And finally, how do I turn it off?

Thanks.

PS: I tried Googling it. I dont even know what this thing is called. And Googling "hashtag" just gives a bunch of results about hashtags in cells that are too skinny. That's not what this is about.

Let's say you create a dynamic SPILL formula, perhaps with FILTER or UNIQUE in cell E2, then E2# will refer to the entire output from that SPILLed formula. E2 would refer to the cell itself so that you can edit the formula.

It's a feature that you can choose to use, or not. AFAIK, you can't switch it off.

See: https://www.ablebits.com/office-addi...data%20changes.

@pshaw436: we wouldn't call that a pound sign. In the UK, a pound sign is "£". As, I guess, in the US, a dollar sign is "$". We, at least I, would call "#" a hash sign.

But yes, it is very helpful for referencing dynamic arrays. Not sure why the OP, or anyone, would not want the feature.

@TMS

The Hash symbol in some circles in the US refers to Pounds as in weights as a shortcut. ie. 5#

I like "octothorpe" to. In a recent pub quiz, I told my team mates that a hash sign was called an octothorpe. Unfortunately, they didn't believe me . We still won, so no big deal

@Alan:

The Hash symbol in some circles in the US refers to Pounds as in weights as a shortcut. ie. 5#

I stand corrected ... and educated Big circles or little circles?

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