Formatting Numbers in Excel

Formatting Numbers in Excel

Ok. I am getting sick of formatting and I will assume you are too but this is important. I promise this is the last formatting lesson. Then we will get totally functional. So we use a whole bunch of different types of numbers in excel.

It is much easier to understand the data if the number are formatted. It is likely that you will end up adding apples and oranges if you don't format your numbers.

Format numbers in Excel to help with calculations and reduce confusion.

How to Format Numbers as a Percentage:
Image Tutorial

1. Open Microsoft Excel.(How do I open microsoft excel?)
2. Click on the cell of which you would like to change the number format.
3. Click on the percent sign (%) on the formatting toolbar.

Or (instead of step 4)
4. Click Format on the menu bar.
5. Click Cells.
6. The format cells window will pop-up. Click the "Number" tab.
7. Click on "Percentage".
8. Click OK.

How to Format Numbers as Currency ($):
Image Tutorial

1. Open Microsoft Excel.(How do I open microsoft excel?)
2. Click on the cell of which you would like to change the number format.
3. Click on the dollar sign ($) on the formatting toolbar.

Or (instead of step 4)
4. Click Format on the menu bar.
5. Click Cells.
6. The format cells window will pop-up. Click the "Number" tab.
7. Click on "Currency".
8. Click OK.

We will leave it at that. Those are the two most common number formats in Excel. You can use the same method as the one listed above to change to any other formats also including dates. You should browse the "Number" tab on the Format Cells window to see all your options. To get there, click "Format" on the menu bar then "Cells" (the Number tab opens by default). Learn it, live it, love it.

If you had any problems completing this module or think some details need more explanation, please let us know. We also welcome any other feedback.
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