Excel 2007 : right, mid, and left functions

I have formatted column B as a text column. I want to extract data from this column, e.g. =LEFT(B1,8) to column A. The formula appears in column A but not the value. If I F2 then F9, the correct value shows up. How can I get the value to show without doing this?

Also, if I copy the formula down the cells in the column, the row number does not change. Why and how to resolve this?

check is this set up: Excel options - Formulas - Workbook calculation - automatic

Try amending the formula like this

=LEFT(B1,8)+0

If you have the formula exactly like that then the row number should increment if you copy down. If the value doesn't change then you might have calculation set to manual - press F9 to calculate or change to automatic using "Calculation Options" on Formula tab

It sounds as though Column A is formatted as Text.

First:
Highlight Column A and format as General

Second:
Either enter your first formula and copy down as appropriate or highlight the entire range that is to contain the formula and confirm formula entry with CTRL + ENTER (not just Enter)

That worked... thank you