XL: Negative Symbol Not the Same as Windows 95 Setting

ID: Q136086

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

The negative symbol in Microsoft Excel appears as a minus sign regardless of the Regional Settings in Windows 95 Control Panel.

WORKAROUND

To control the appearance of negative numbers in Microsoft Excel, use a custom number format. For example, use the following custom number format: 

   #,##0;"*"#,##0
Note that the format code "#,##0" is used as an example. You can use any valid number format as long as the character you want is enclosed in quotation marks at the beginning of the second portion (after the semicolon) of the custom format.

Microsoft Excel versions 7.0 and 97

To create a custom number format, use the right mouse button to click a cell and then click Format Cells on the submenu. Click the Numbers tab, and select the Custom category. In the Type box, enter the character you want to use as the negative sign. For example, if you want negative numbers to be preceded by an asterisk (*) rather by a minus sign (-), enter the following custom number format: 

   #,##0;"*"#,##0

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

REFERENCES

For more information about how to create custom number formats in Microsoft Excel 7.0, click the Index tab in Microsoft Excel Help, type the following text 

   formatting cells, number
double-click the selected text, then double-click "Create Custom Number Formats."

For more information about how to create custom number formats in Microsoft Excel 5.0, click the Index tab in Microsoft Excel Help, type the following text 

   custom number formats
and double-click the selected text.

Additional query words: 3.00 4.00 4.00a 5.00 5.00c 7.00 8.00 97 

Keywords          : xlformat xlwin 
Version           : WINDOWS:3.0.4.0,5.0,7.0,97
Platform          : WINDOWS

Last Reviewed: January 8, 1999