XL97: Comparison Value Changed from Fraction to Serial Number

ID: Q165865

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

If you enter a comparison value for a condition in the Conditional Formatting dialog box, the value may be changed if you close and reopen the Conditional Formatting dialog box.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when you enter a fraction for a comparison value in the Conditional Formatting dialog box. When you do this, the value may be changed to a serial number that represents a date.

For example, in the Conditional Formatting dialog box, if you click Cell Value Is in the first list, Greater Than in the second list, and then enter "7/2" (without the quotation marks) in the RefEdit box, 7/2 is changed to 35613 the next time you view the condition.

RESOLUTION

To enter a fraction for a comparison value, precede the fraction with an equal sign. Given the example in the "Cause" section, type the following:

   =7/2

If you want to specify a comparison value like 1 1/3, enter the number as follows:

   =1 + 1/3

If you enter the number as follows

   =1 1/3

the value is changed to 1.33333333333333 the next time you view the condition.

STATUS

This behavior is by design of Microsoft Excel.

MORE INFORMATION

Conditional formatting is a new feature in Microsoft Excel 97. Based on the conditions (up to three) you use for the conditional format for the cell, Microsoft Excel dynamically applies a different font, style, pattern, or border to the cell.

REFERENCES

For more information about conditional formatting, click the Index tab in Microsoft Excel Help, type the following text

   conditional formats

and then double-click the selected text to go to the "Highlight data that meets conditions you specify" topic.

Additional query words: XL97

Keywords          : kbtool xlformat xlformula 
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: November 1, 1998