Creating Custom Number Formats in Excel 2007

You can create a custom number format in Excel if one of the pre-defined formats does not fit your needs.   For instance, you might want to create a format that will automatically insert the dashes in social security numbers so you don’t have to enter them.   Or perhaps you wish to create a custom format that displays negative numbers in a blue font.   You also have the option of editing existing format codes to create a new one.

You can specify up to four sections of format codes. The format codes, separated by semicolons, define the formats for positive numbers, negative numbers, zero values, and text, in that order.  If you specify only two sections, the first is used for positive numbers and the second is used for negative numbers. If you specify only one section, it is used for all numbers. If you skip a section, be sure to include the ending semicolon for that section. 

To Create Custom Number Formats

1. Select the cell range you wish to format.
2. Click the Format button on the Cells group of the Home ribbon and choose Format Cells from the menu (or right-click and choose Format Cells from the contextual menu).
3. Click the Number Tab.
4. In the Category list box, select Custom.
5. In the Type text box, type in the desired format codes.
6. Click OK.

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Tagged as: Microsoft Excel Tips, Microsoft Office Tips