How can I change positive numbers to negative, i.e. change 50 to -

[godwingi]

I have a very long list of positive numbers that I have converted from a
wordpad report. Actually it is our list of receivables. They have been
converted from text, and therefore the ones that should be credits, or
negative numbers (in context of receivables) appear as just plain positive
numbers, such as 150.00. I don't know of a simpler way to turn these numbers
to negative (i.e. -150.00) without F2'ing each one and putting a minus (-)
sign in front of each one. It would save me so much time just to be able to
change these numbers from positive to negative! If you could help me I sure
would appreciate it!

 

[JulieD]

Hi

type
-1
in an unused cell somewhere and copy it
then select all the numbers you need to convert and then choose
edit / paste special - MULTIPLY

Cheers
JulieD
PS do on a backup of your workbook first to ensure that you get the outcome
you want.

 

[dlw]

insert a column next to them / use the formula +a1*-1 / copy it down the
column / copy those numbers / paste special - values over the original numbers
or something like that

 

[Dave O]

The simplest method would be to insert a column, and for each entry
write a formula: =0-A1 (where A1 is the positive number- replace A1
with your actual cell reference). Then copy the inserted column,
highlight your original column, and Paste As values. Then delete the
column you inserted.

 

[David Biddulph]

I have a very long list of positive numbers that I have converted from a
wordpad report. Actually it is our list of receivables. They have been
converted from text, and therefore the ones that should be credits, or
negative numbers (in context of receivables) appear as just plain positive
numbers, such as 150.00. I don't know of a simpler way to turn these numbers
to negative (i.e. -150.00) without F2'ing each one and putting a minus (-)
sign in front of each one. It would save me so much time just to be able to
change these numbers from positive to negative! If you could help me I sure
would appreciate it!

-1 in a cell, select that cell, Copy, select your list of numbers, "Paste
Special", Multiply

 

[Gord Dibben]

Dave

See Julie's answer for truly "simplest" method.


Gord Dibben Excel MVP