AN OFT-PLAYED OLDIE BUT GOODIE

 "How can I type a number with leading zeros--such as 0001--into an Excel cell?"

Like this:

1. Decide the maximum number of digits each number with leading zeroes will have. Note or remember this number.
2. Select the cell(s) into which you want to enter numbers with leading zeros.
3. Press Ctrl + 1 (or choose Format + Cells).
4. Click the Number tab.
5. Under Category, choose Custom.
6. In the Type box, type one less zero than the maximum number of digits (determined in step 1), followed by a number sign (#). For example, if your maximum number of digits is 4, type "000#" (without the quotation marks).
7. Click OK.

Not only does Excel ALLOW you to type the zeros, but it inserts the appropriate number of zeros for you when you DON'T type them. How about that?

Last Updated: Monday, 24. May 1999 09:47:10 -0500