Negative Numbers

[Liz J]

I have a column that has both negative and positive numbers. All of the
negative numbers, however, have the negative sign to the right of the number
instead of at the front. For example "3,445.45-" instead of "-3,445.45."
How do I get the negatives to switch to the front of the number? Is there a
formula or a format available?

Thank you for all of your help!

 

[Dave Peterson]

One quick way that'll work if you're using xl2002 (I think it was added in
xl2002) or higher:

Select the column.
Data|text to columns
On step 3 of the wizard, click the Advanced button
Check the trailing minus for negative numbers.
and finish up.

 

[Gord Dibben]

Data>Text to Columns>Next>Next>Advanced....checkmark "trailing minus for
negative numbers" and OK

Finish.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

 

[מיכ×ל (מיקי) ×בידן]

Try to change the cell(s) formatting direction from "Right-to-Left" to
"Left-to-Right".
Micky

 

[Gord Dibben]

That only gives a visual change and numbers are still Text and cannot be
calculated.


Gord

 

[מיכ×ל (מיקי) ×בידן]

"I rest my case".
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/3356/nonamesz.png
Micky

 

[Gord Dibben]

Not in my Excel 2003 or 2007

An image such as you posted means nothing to me.

I can do the same thing by entering -123 to start with and changing
direction then taking a screen shot of the right to left calculating.

I would like others to test please.

Enter 123- in a cell.

Change to right to left direction to display -123 then calculate with that.


Gord

 

[Jacob Skaria]

Mike

If you do a calculation you will get a #.value error Try the below which
should return the same text..
=T(A1)

 

[מיכ×ל (מיקי) ×בידן]

With all due respect I finished my experiments a long time ago.
As long as the present DG interface will remain in the "dark ages" by not
enabling WB attachments - everyone may interpret the cause of the problem as
he finds it appropriate.
I do hope that in about 3-4 month we are going to face a complete new
Interface which will eliminate such lack of clarity.
Micky