Changing the data in a column

For whatever reason, the data are provided to me in this format, # being a number, / being a /:

###/#######

I want these data to ultimately be: ###-###-####, which I know I could obtain if I had ##########. So, do you have one or two steps. I will take either. These data are in a column. Thank you.

Originally Posted by twilsonmi

For whatever reason, the data are provided to me in this format, # being a number, / being a /:

###/#######

I want these data to ultimately be: ###-###-####, which I know I could obtain if I had ##########. So, do you have one or two steps. I will take either. These data are in a column. Thank you.

=--SUBSTITUTE(A1,"/","")

Format cells as 000-000-0000

I am presuming that you mean to input the line:

=--SUBSTITUTE(A1,"/","") or
SUBSTITUTE(A1,"/","")

in the "Custom" format section on the number tab. I input each of these and got an error: "Excel cannot use the formula you typed," or whatever it said, "use one of the formulas there, or click on help, etc."

Tim.

Originally Posted by twilsonmi

I am presuming that you mean to input the line:

=--SUBSTITUTE(A1,"/","") or
SUBSTITUTE(A1,"/","")

in the "Custom" format section on the number tab. I input each of these and got an error: "Excel cannot use the formula you typed," or whatever it said, "use one of the formulas there, or click on help, etc."

Tim.

Yes, put double lines after the equal sign

=--SUBSTITUTE(A1,"/","") returns that error, "Excel cannot use the number formula, etc."

Is there anyone who can answer how to change the value in this field? As I stated, the present format for all values in this column is:

###/#######, where "#" is a number and "/" is the actual character /

Previous answers have not worked.