Fixing the Decimal Point

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 instance. 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:

1. Display the Excel Options dialog box. (In Excel 2007 click the Office button and then click Excel Options. In Excel 2010 and later versions display the File tab of the ribbon and then click Options.)
2. At the left of the dialog box click Advanced.
3. Under Editing Options, make sure that the Automatically Insert a Decimal Point check box is selected. (See Figure 1.)



Figure 1. The advanced options of the Excel Options dialog box.

4. Using the Places control, specify how many decimal places Excel should assume.
5. Click the OK button.

Remember that this control only affects any new values that you enter into a cell. It does not affect any values entered previously. Thus, if a cell already contains the value 1.2345, then changing the setting to 2 decimal places will not change the value to 1.23 or 123.45.

It also only affects new values entered where you don't include a decimal point. Thus, if you have the decimal places set to 2 and you enter "1.2345" (with the decimal point), then the value entered will include the four decimal places.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (7565) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Fixing the Decimal Point.