How to format cells to show only significant figures entered?

**contextions** · 09-26-2008, 09:18 AM

I’m trying to set up tables for pivot table analysis so I have a column with test name and then another with test results which have different significant figures. Can I use conditional formatting to change the number of decimal places shown depending on which test name is used in another column?

**shg** · 09-26-2008, 12:02 PM

Conditional formatting can't change number formats. How about just using format General?

**contextions** · 09-26-2008, 02:01 PM

I dont know the order of tests to be recorded so I would not be able to predefine the cells and formatting the cells on the spot would waste time.

I can do it with my mouse and record a macro but how do I look at the code of the macro?

Could it be something like: If $A$1 = a then $B$1 = cell format, number, decimal = 3?

I can get to format cell by right clicking on the cell where it shows the F is underlined or from the home tab it has a format button where "format cells" has an e underlined but ctrl + the letter never work to bring them up.

If it did work could you just be like right click, CTRL+F, Tab, CTRL+d, down, down, enter, esc with the code?

**shg** · 09-26-2008, 02:06 PM

General is the default format for cells unless you deliebrately change it. You don't have to do anything.

**contextions** · 09-26-2008, 07:07 PM

General works until you happen to show measurement less precisely with zeros not being shown. Error analysis will stay the same - contrary to whats shown. Can you tell me how to run an error code check with code to fix displayed zeros after the decimal - maybe with a ReplaceIf?

**protonLeah** · 09-26-2008, 10:34 PM

Have you considered scientific notation as a format for the results column?
As for:

I can do it with my mouse and record a macro but how do I look at the code of the macro?

After recording the macro, right click the sheet tab and select view code. Then in the Project window, click the (+) next to the workbook name to expand the modules then select Module1 to view the code.