Excel changes my input value and format style

[ipbr21054]

The cell is formatted as GENERAL just like all the other cells in this column.
Most of these cells are filled with data like KS123456GB but i am now wanting to type this 5614930256506582
The problem i face is as soon as i leave the cell its format is changed to scientific 5.61E+15

Why ???

 

[Joe4]

Excel can only remember 15 significant digits for numbers, and automatically converts long numbers like that to scientific notation.
Are these entries really numerical values that you are going to need to math functions (like addition, multiplication, etc), or are they more of an ID number?

If they are actually an ID number (and not a number that you need to do match on), change your column format from GENERAL to TEXT, and it won't treat them like numbers and convert them to scientific notation.

 

[Roger Govier]

Hi

Excel will only take numbers up to 15 digits long.
It works OK when you have some text also in the cell as it is treating it as Text and not numeric data.
Either preformat the column where you want to enter these vales as Text, not General, or enter a single quote ' in from=nt of your entry.
It will not show, but will force the value to be treated as text.

 

[ipbr21054]

Hi,
If i change to text will this have any affect for when i type like KS123456GB ?

 

[Joe4]

If i change to text will this have any affect for when i type like KS123456GB

No, actually it will be more in line.
Anything that starts with a letter is already treated like text. That is why it doesn't try to change that one.
Basically, if you pre-format a column as Text, it will display EXACTLY whatever you type in, without dropping any leading or trailing zeroes, and re-formatting.

 

[ipbr21054]

Thanks
I will change it to Text as advised.

 

[Joe4]

You are welcome.