Can't Set Custom Format in VBA

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 23, 2022)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365


Stuart uses the NumberFormat property, in a macro, to set the custom format for a cell. He sets it equal to #,##0.00_);[Red](#,##0.00), but when he later looks at it, Excel changes the format to #,##0.00;[Red]-#,##0.00.

You can set the custom format of a selection of cells in this manner:

Sub SetCells()
    Selection.NumberFormat = "#,##0.00_);[Red](#,##0.00)"
End Sub

Similarly, you could set the custom format of a specific range of cells in this manner:

Sub SetCells()
    Range("A1").NumberFormat = "#,##0.00_);[Red](#,##0.00)"
End Sub

Either approach sets the custom format correctly, as confirmed through testing. If the format doesn't appear as expected (and you are sure the format pattern matches what is shown above), then there are only two reasons I can think of that would cause the discrepancy. First, it is possible that other macro code is changing the custom format without your knowledge, particularly code in an event handler. Why an event handler? Because event handlers often make changes automatically, typically after cell changes or even moving from one cell to another.

The second possibility is that what you are seeing in the worksheet is not the result of the custom format, but actually the result of a conditional format. You'll need to check and possibly change the conditional formatting rules to deal with this possibility.

Note:

If you would like to know how to use the macros described on this page (or on any other page on the ExcelTips sites), I've prepared a special page that includes helpful information. Click here to open that special page in a new browser tab.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (12941) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Using FIM Barcodes

Adding a Facing Identification Mark (FIM) barcode to your envelopes.

Discover More

Forcing Input to Uppercase

If you type information into a workbook, you may want to make sure that what you type is always stored in uppercase. ...

Discover More

Averaging Based on Multiple Criteria

When you need to determine an average based on a very small selection of cells from a large dataset, based on multiple ...

Discover More

Save Time and Supercharge Excel! Automate virtually any routine task and save yourself hours, days, maybe even weeks. Then, learn how to make Excel do things you thought were simply impossible! Mastering advanced Excel macros has never been easier. Check out Excel 2010 VBA and Macros today!

More ExcelTips (ribbon)

Decimal Tab Alignment

If you are familiar with decimal tabs in Word, you may wonder if you can set the same sort of alignment in Excel. The ...

Discover More

Custom Formats for Scientific Notation

Excel allows you to format your numeric values in a wide variety of ways. One such formatting option is to display ...

Discover More

Understanding Color and Conditional Formatting Codes

When you create custom cell formats, you can include codes that allow you to set the color of a cell and that specify the ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 7 - 7?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


This Site

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.

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.