Excel: Values Not Shown in Cells, But Seen in Formula Bar

Last reviewed: November 2, 1994
Article ID: Q58231

SUMMARY

Several factors can cause a number not to show in a Microsoft Excel cell, though it still shows in the formula bar when that cell is selected. Check for the following:

  1. The column width is too small. Usually this results in "##" showing in the cell, but when the column is too narrow for the # sign, nothing shows. In the default font (Geneva 10), this width is 1.14. If you are using a single digit, the column can be even narrower and still show data.

  2. The number format of the cell is incorrect. If the positive, negative, or zero number format is left blank (such as the format ";;" [semicolon semicolon]), the number will not display.

  3. The number format of the cell is white. A color can be applied as part of a number format. If the color white is applied by a format (for example, [White]General), the value does will display in the cell.

  4. The cell is filled with white. If you choose Font from Format menu and select white under Color, the data will not appear.

  5. The cell is equal to zero. If the cell is equal to zero as the result of a formula or if a zero is typed in, and Zero Values is turned off in the Display dialog box (on the Options menu), the cell appears to be blank.


KBCategory: kbusage
KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: noupd


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Last reviewed: November 2, 1994
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