Excel.Tips.Net Welcome toExcel.Tips.Net

Helpful Links

Tips.Net Home
ExcelTips Home
Ask an Excel Question
Make a Comment

Tips.Net Store

ExcelTips FAQ
ExcelTips Premium

Learn Access Now
Free Printable Forms

Beauty Tips
Car Tips
Cleaning Tips
College Tips
Cooking Tips
Excel2007 Tips
ExcelTips
Family Tips
Gardening Tips
Health Tips
Home Tips
Legal Tips
Money Tips
Organizing Tips
Pest Tips
Pet Tips
Wedding Tips
Word2007 Tips
WordTips

Advertise on the
ExcelTips Site

Newest Tips

Converting to Octal

Filtering Columns for Unique Values

Printing Multiple Worksheets on a Single Page

Changing the Default Font

Creating a Drawing Object

Determining a Value of a Cell

Understanding Macros

 

Fixing the Decimal Point

Summary: Don't want to always type the decimal point as you enter information in a worksheet? If you are entering information that always has a certain number of digits after the decimal point, you can instruct Excel to always assume where the decimal point should be placed, even when you don't type one. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, Excel 2003, and Excel 2007.)

Most electronic calculators have an option that allows you to specify a fixed location for a decimal point. This comes in real handy when you are working with dollars and cents, for instances. With the decimal point fixed at two places, you can enter "213" and have the calculator translate it as "2.13". Likewise, if you enter "2", the calculator translates it as "0.02".

Excel has a feature that allows you to do the same thing. To fix the number of decimal places assumed when inputting information, follow these steps if you are using Excel 2007:

  1. Click the Office button and then click Excel Options. Excel displays the Excel Options dialog box.
  2. At the left of the dialog box click Advanced.
  3. Under Editing Options, make sure that the check box for "Automatically Insert a Decimal Point" is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
  4. Using the Places control, specify how many decimal places Excel should assume.
  5. Click the OK button.

If you are using an older version of Excel, follow these steps instead:

  1. Choose Options from the Tools menu. Excel displays the Options dialog box.
  2. Make sure the Edit tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
  3. Make sure the Fixed Decimal check box is selected.
  4. Using the Places control, specify how many decimal places Excel should assume.
  5. Click OK.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2755) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

Change Formatting Based On Your Data! Conditional formatting provides a way for you to adjust the appearance of your data based on the data itself. Discover how to put this amazingly powerful feature to work for you, today. This comprehensive volume is available in two editions.
 
Check out Excel Conditional Formatting today!