"Number Formatting in Excel 2007"

What you know about number formatting? Number Formats help you to change the appearance of numbers or values in a cell in the Excel spreadsheet. They are not difficult, and can be achieve with a few clicks. Formatting is done to improve the appearance of the spreadsheet and to make the numbers easier to read and understand. Commonly used number formats include adding commas ( , ), percent symbols ( % ), decimal places, and dollar signs( $ ). In Excel 2007, the basic number formatting options are located on the Home tab, Number group as shown here.

To change the basic number formatting

Select the cell containing number that you wish to format. Click on the down arrow next to the Number Format drop-down list and select a suitable command.

To change number formatting using the formatting icons

You can quickly change the formatting of a cell or selected range by using the following icons on the Home tab, Number group.

To format a number as a currency

Select the cell or range of cells you want to format.

Right-click on the cell and choose Format Cells from the pop-up menu. From the Format Cells dialog box displayed, select the Number tab. Under the Category: section, select Currency.

Select the number of decimal places you require by using the Decimal places: spin box arrows. In the Symbol: drop down list, select the type of currency. Click OK.

To format a number as a percentage

Select the cell or range of cells you wish to format. Right-click on the cell and choose Format Cells from the pop-up menu. From the Format Cells dialog box displayed, select the Number tab. Under the Category: section, select Percentage. Select the number of decimal places you require by using the Decimal places: spin box arrows. Click OK.

To change the number of decimal places

Select the cell or range of cells, you wish to change the number of decimal places. To increase a decimal place, click on the Increase Decimal icon on the Home tab, Number group. You can continue to click to increase the decimals as required. To reduce a decimal place, click on the Decrease Decimal icon on the Home tab, Number group. You can continue to click to reduce the decimals as required.

To round numbers using a numeric format

Select the cell or range of cells you wish to format. Right-click on the cell and choose Format Cells from the pop-up menu. From the Format Cells dialog box displayed, select the Number tab. In the Category: section, select Number. Select the number of decimal places you require by using the Decimal places spin box arrows. Click OK.

To change colors based on the value in the cells

Select the cells you wish to change, which contain numeric values. Right-click on the cell and choose Format Cells from the pop-up menu. From the Format Cells dialog box displayed, select the Number tab. Choose Custom from the Category: list box. Use the scroll bars in the Type: section of the dialog box to view what custom number formats are available. For example, to force all negative numbers to be displayed in red, you would select the option illustrated below. Click OK.

To display negative numbers that enclosed within brackets

You would edit the above example, as illustrated.