Error message: To many different cell formats

[mokolpop]

Hi,

Ive recently built a business cost model which doesnt use overally complicated formulas (sumif and vlookup being the most complicated). Ive also tried to keep a consistent format as the model has grown.

Its not a massive model at 14meg, but is now coming up with the error message after being open for a short while of To many different cell formats, which once it appears does not allow any more changes to be made be them to align text or colour a cell.

This is a live business model supporting a very large contract, and Im trying to build in extra functionality into the model before I can freeze it.

However the error message only allows me to work on the model for no more than 5 - 10 minuites at a time.

Can anyone please advise me why the error occurs and how I may rid myself of this error.

thanks in advance

Ian

[Leith Ross]

Hello Ian,

In versions of Excel prior to version 12 (2007), the total number of unique cell styles in a workbook (combinations of all cell formatting) is 4,000. Excel 2007 has a limit of 64,000 formats. You will need to review your layout, and find ways to consolidate your formatting. For example using a summary sheet for data, rather than formatting each sheet the same, move the data to the proper position on the summary sheet instead.

Sincerely,
Leith Ross