How do I stop numbers from converting into dates?

[microtrough]

Version: 2004 Operating System: Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) Processor: Intel I want to enter 4/1 or 4-1 into a cell but every time I press enter it converts it to 1-Apr. this is very irritating and despite looking in the the various preferences and format tabs I have yet to find a way to stop it. What am I doing wrong?

 

[CyberTaz]

First of all, any formulas need to be preceded by an equals sign (=) to let
Excel know that what follows is an 'instruction' to be executed. Otherwise
the content is interpreted as a text string or -- as in this case due to the
operators you're using ("/" & "-") -- a date.

Second, by entering the numbers into your formula you're defeating the
purpose of the program. By doing it that way you have to locate & revise
every formula containing those values every time the values need to be
updated. If you store each value in a separate cell then create formulas
that refer to the cells where the required values are stored, Excel not only
does the math but also keeps the results up-to-date based on changes made to
the source (precedent) cells.

So, instead of =4-1, the program is designed for you to:

Put 4 in a cell [let's say A1],
Put 1 in cell A2, then
Put a formula in A3 that reads =A1-A2

No offense, but if you're new to the program it would be well worth your
time to go into Excel's Help from the Menu Bar. In the Help window's toolbar
click 'Contents', then follow the links in the left topics list beginning
with "Start using Excel" for starters. Also, on the main Help page there is
a link for "Discovering Microsoft Office". Click that then use the "Creating
an Excel Spreadsheet" section of the PDF... Then go back in there as time
permits & review more on how to use the program effectively.

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[microtrough]

Thanks for your answer. I think I didn't explain clearly enough what I wish to achieve. The 4/1 is not meant to be a formula. I was really looking for a treat this as a text string command.

 

[CyberTaz]

If that's the case precede the entry with an apostrophe ( ' ). If there are
a number of cells that have to be handled the same way select them first
then use Format> Cells & select Text so you won't have to keep typing the '
for every entry. If you enter it the way you were, Excel is designed to
recognize the entry as a DATE & imposes Date formatting automatically.

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac