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:
Figure 1. The advanced options of the Excel Options dialog box.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (7565) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Fixing the Decimal Point.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 2013 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access) with VBA programming, using it for writing macros, automating Office applications, and creating custom applications. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2013 today!
When you make changes in a worksheet, Excel automatically recalculates everything that may be affected by that change. If ...
Discover MoreExcel can recalculate your worksheets either automatically or manually. The default is to calculate them automatically, ...
Discover MoreGridlines are very helpful in seeing where cells are located on the screen. You are not limited to black gridlines; ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2017-08-19 09:14:27
Allen
On the Mac, Mike, choose Excel > Preferences > Edit. You can change the "Display this number of decimal places" setting.
-Allen
2017-08-19 08:04:45
Mike Smith
Unfortunately this doesn't seem to work in Excel for Mac Version 15.32 (170309).
There is no File tab available in the ribbon and no Options panel anywhere that I can find.
Any suggestions would be very welcome - this tip alone would save me hundreds of clicks a week!
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2019 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments