Creating formulas that allow the solutions to start with zeros.

I work at a lawfirm and we use a stamp to number our exhibits. It takes
forever. I found some small stickers to print the exhibit numbers on, but I
am unable to figure out a time saving method to create the numbers needed. I
am using Excel to do this but with the format we are trying to use (i.e.
00001), because of all the zeros when I try to make an equation to copy and
paste in the column it will hide the zeros. Unfortunetly the zeros are
important. So I guess my question is: how do I create a formula that will
allow the zeros to be shown?

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*******************
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www.OfficeArticles.com


"mevans" <mevans@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:417397F7-BCC0-43EF-96CC-8A4BB7CE0E33@microsoft.com...
> I work at a lawfirm and we use a stamp to number our exhibits. It takes
> forever. I found some small stickers to print the exhibit numbers on, but
I
> am unable to figure out a time saving method to create the numbers needed.
I
> am using Excel to do this but with the format we are trying to use (i.e.
> 00001), because of all the zeros when I try to make an equation to copy
and
> paste in the column it will hide the zeros. Unfortunetly the zeros are
> important. So I guess my question is: how do I create a formula that will
> allow the zeros to be shown?

Hi mevans

If you want your numbers to start in row2, then use Col A as a helper
column, where you can insert the number you want, or you can use a formula to
autonumber the rows. In Col B insert the following formula, starting at Row
2, and copy down:

=IF(A2="","",IF(A2<10,"0000"&A2,IF(A2<100,"000"&A2,IF(A2<1000,"00"&A1if(A2<10000,"0"&A2,A2)))))

If you want the rows to autonumber, then insert the following formula in A3,
and copy down:

=IF(AND(A2="",C3=""),"",IF(C3="","",A2+1))

What will happen, is that the moment you enter something in Col C, Col's A
and B will immediately show the next number, complete with zeroes in Col B.

You can then hide Col A, as it is of no value further
--
j.kasselman@atlantic.net.remove_2nd_at. Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa


"mevans" wrote:

> I work at a lawfirm and we use a stamp to number our exhibits. It takes
> forever. I found some small stickers to print the exhibit numbers on, but I
> am unable to figure out a time saving method to create the numbers needed. I
> am using Excel to do this but with the format we are trying to use (i.e.
> 00001), because of all the zeros when I try to make an equation to copy and
> paste in the column it will hide the zeros. Unfortunetly the zeros are
> important. So I guess my question is: how do I create a formula that will
> allow the zeros to be shown?