Custom Format - show as decimal

I need to enter a lot of numbers that look like "0.000124". There are always
3 leading zeros after the decimal.

I'd LIKE to just ENTER "124" and have excel convert it to the "real" number
automatically (sort of like if you enter 40 in a % formatted column, it
automatically converts it to 0.40).

Do I have to use a formula, or is there a custom format that would work?
Thanks!

I don't know a format that will do it but you could put the number in 1
column and then have a formulae in the next column:
=VALUE("0.000"&CellRef) Replace CellRef with the cell address you have the
number in
The Value function makes sure it is stored as a number not as Text. HTH
Sheila

"Heidi" wrote:

> I need to enter a lot of numbers that look like "0.000124". There are always
> 3 leading zeros after the decimal.
>
> I'd LIKE to just ENTER "124" and have excel convert it to the "real" number
> automatically (sort of like if you enter 40 in a % formatted column, it
> automatically converts it to 0.40).
>
> Do I have to use a formula, or is there a custom format that would work?
> Thanks!

I can think of a couple of ways to do this.

1. Use event code that divides 124 by 1,000,000 when you enter it

2. Enable Tools>Edit>Fixed Decimal Places and set for 6

Note: second option can be turned on/off by macro for ease of use.

Post back if want to go either of these routes.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

On Fri, 30 Jun 2006 07:57:02 -0700, Heidi <Heidi@discussions.microsoft.com>
wrote:

>I need to enter a lot of numbers that look like "0.000124". There are always
>3 leading zeros after the decimal.
>
>I'd LIKE to just ENTER "124" and have excel convert it to the "real" number
>automatically (sort of like if you enter 40 in a % formatted column, it
>automatically converts it to 0.40).
>
>Do I have to use a formula, or is there a custom format that would work?
>Thanks!

> "Heidi" wrote:
>
> I need to enter a lot of numbers that look like "0.000124". There
> are always 3 leading zeros after the decimal.
>
> I'd LIKE to just ENTER "124" and have excel convert it to the "real"
> number automatically (sort of like if you enter 40 in a % formatted
> column, it automatically converts it to 0.40).
>
> Do I have to use a formula, or is there a custom format that would
> work? Thanks!

.... try custom format: "0.000"#

--
regards/pozdrav!
Berislav

I believe OP wanted it converted to the "real" 0.000124

Formatting does not convert, just changes appearance.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

On Fri, 30 Jun 2006 18:57:00 +0200, "b&s" <bs@real.address.missing> wrote:

>> "Heidi" wrote:
>>
>> I need to enter a lot of numbers that look like "0.000124". There
>> are always 3 leading zeros after the decimal.
>>
>> I'd LIKE to just ENTER "124" and have excel convert it to the "real"
>> number automatically (sort of like if you enter 40 in a % formatted
>> column, it automatically converts it to 0.40).
>>
>> Do I have to use a formula, or is there a custom format that would
>> work? Thanks!
>
>... try custom format: "0.000"#