Excel provides quite a few predefined number formats that you can use. There may be times when you need a number format that isn't pre-defined by Excel. Fortunately, you can create custom number formats that provide you with complete control over how numbers appear.
Custom number formats are created through the use of formatting codes. Before you can create your own custom number formats, you need to understand how the formatting codes work. The next several tips examine each of the formatting codes understood by Excel. (See here, here, and here.) If you study these codes, you will be ready to create your own formats.
Once you understand formatting codes, you can start to create your own formats. This is done by first selecting the cells you want to format and then choosing Cells from the Format menu. When you see the Format Cells dialog box, make sure you select the Number tab and select Custom as the number category, which is the bottom choice in the Category list. (See Figure 1.)
Figure 1. The Number tab from the Format Cells dialog box.
In the Type field at the right side of the dialog box is the code for the currently selected number format. You can change these codes or simply enter your own codes. By adding conditionals and colors to your formats, you can get very complex, indeed. Whatever you enter is automatically added to the Custom category, and can be used anywhere within the workbook.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2673) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Solve Real Business Problems Master business modeling and analysis techniques with Excel and transform data into bottom-line results. This hands-on, scenario-focused guide shows you how to use the latest Excel tools to integrate data from multiple tables. Check out Microsoft Excel 2013 Data Analysis and Business Modeling today!
Have you ever entered information in a cell only for it to appear as hash marks? This tip explains why this happens, how ...
Discover MoreIf you want to format currency values so that Excel uses periods between groups of thousands and commas as a decimal ...
Discover MoreAdding a custom format to Excel is easy. Having that custom format appear in all your workbooks is a different story ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2014-12-05 06:37:30
JMJ
Great!
Thanks a lot!
2014-12-04 17:27:45
awyatt
Good catch, JMJ. I've updated the tip to include the links.
-Allen
2014-12-04 10:51:38
JMJ
Hi Allen,
You say: "The next several tips examine each of the formatting codes understood by Excel"
I'd be very glad to study these codes, but how can I find "The next several tips"? I never found a chronological list of tips :-(
Thank you.
J-M
2014-12-01 06:45:33
Barry
To hide numbers I usually just put some text enclosed with inverted commas into the format box.
2014-11-30 07:34:48
Michael (Micky) Avidan
@Dave,
I could not find a way to type, anything, in a GENERAL BOX.
On the other hand - if I choose "Custom Format" there is where I, usually, type the formats.
In addition - if you want to hide Numbers and/or Text - use 3 semicolons (;;;).
Michael (Micky) Avidan
“Microsoft® Answers" - Wiki author & Forums Moderator
“Microsoft®” MVP – Excel (2009-2015)
ISRAEL
2014-11-29 09:37:52
Dave
A custom format that I've found handy is one that hides numbers.
FORMAT/CUSTOM/GENERAL/;; (2 semicolons in the GENERAL box). Numbers in the cell(s) so formatted cannot be seen. (Numbers only, not text.) It's been useful for printing pretty tables when some numbers might just be clutter.
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2021 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments