When I selected two decimal places, why did the numbers display with # signs?
A1:
If any cell displays number signs ( # ), you can widen the column to display the numbers. Double-click the column border to the right of the column letter for the column you want to adjust.
Q2:
Does Excel have a fast way to display the Format Cells dialog box?
A2:
Absolutely. Press Ctrl+1.
Q3:
I like using a shortcut menu for making changes to my worksheet. Can I format numbers with a shortcut menu?
A3:
Yes. You're in luck! Select the cells you want to format and then click the right mouse button in one of the selected cells. Your shortcut menu should appear. Then choose Format Cells.
Q4:
Does Excel have a shortcut for applying the same number format in various places throughout a large worksheet?
A4:
Certainly. You can repeat a number format change in another cell by selecting Repeat Format Cells from the Edit menu or by pressing the F4 (Repeat) key. Either way, you save time and keystrokes.
Q5:
After I created a custom numeric format in one workbook, why couldn't I use it in another workbook?
A5:
You can reuse all modified custom numeric formats within a worksheet without retyping them. Excel stores all customized formats at the bottom of the Type list. That way, you can select them over and over. However, if you create a custom format for one workbook, you have to re-create the format for other workbooks.