Calc displays keyed numeric input unexpectedly

[dgerman]

Preferences for Calc is set to “Convert only unambiguous”.

New spreadsheet format cells number general
Date formats M/D/Y,M/D

1. Keying 14+2 results in
   14+2
   I expected 16 to be displayed.

2. keying
   1/2/15 displays ½/15 ; 1/2 displays ½ ; 1/4/15 displays ¼/15; 3/4/15 displays ¾/15

3. If the format for a cell is set to date, keying
   =14/2 displays 01/06/00
   Shouldn’t the cell get set formatted for number?

Thank you.
language default-English (USA)
Version: 4.3.5.2

[Lupp]

14+2 isn’t a formula and will not be interpreted as one. +14+2 is.

What did you expect in cases 2) and 3)? Did you actually enter the “=” in case 3)?

[dgerman]

Thanks for your reply.

1. Sure would be nice if 14+4 were interpreted as a formula
   
2. I expected dates to displayed since I entered 1/2/15 (i.e. M/D/Y )
   
3. I expected 7 . I did key in the equals. Clearing direct formatting displays 7 .

[Lupp]

(I wouldn’t call the Belize format for dates unambiguous) The M/D/Y pattern must be added explicitely to the ‘Date acceptance patterns’ under ‘Languages’ if you want to use it. An US install will regularly do it, but this may have been changed (or overridden ina dark way by a faulty user profile). If you actually wanted your example 1/2/15 to be interpreted the British way (D/M/Y) as 2015-02-01 do respectively.

“Convert only unambiguous” should not affect entering from keyboard but only applying VALUE functions. I lack complete knowledge myself.

Getting the “½/15” is surely due to the “AutoCorrect” feature which is acting as an AutoInCorrect feature every other time. I suggest you switch it off. However, it should not interefere here except you inserted a space between 1/2 and /15.

[dgerman]

Not sure what you mean by " Belize format for dates".

I have US install and M/D/Y;M/D is shown under preferences, languages, date acceptance patterns.

Thanks for you comments.

[Lupp]

Did what I wrote actally help in any way? I hope so.

But if your problems persist, I might look for additional advice.

[“Belize format” is my slightly mocking name for the M/D/Y style of dates widely used only in Belize (and the US) as I was told. It has grave disadvantages, imo. Hope you can bear my meddlesome remark.]