How can I display numbers beginning with zero?

[Guest]

Trying to make a document including ISBN numbers, some beginning with zero.
Excel changes the codes into number values, eliminating any zeros at the
beginning of codes. How can I override this? I tried Format Cells/ special -
no applicable option. Tried Format/ Cells/ Custom using ten zeros as the
format. No luck.

 

[Bernard Liengme]

Since these are not really numbers (some end with X), type ' before entering
ISNB. The apostrophe (single quote) will not show on worksheet or on
printout.
best wishes

 

[Guest]

The custom format should have worked. The problem is that that format
doesn't store the actual value with the leading zero(s), it simply displays
the value that way.

The best approach is to use the Text format. After you've applied that
format to the cells, you will need to re-enter the value, keying in the
leading zeros

Format|Cells|Number|Text

 

[Guest]

You could include the dashed in the ISBN number with the cells set up with
the "General" number format. If you enter the ISBN number into a cell with
"General" numbers format, with dashes included (i.e. 0-8165-1074-1), I've
found that the first zero is unaffected.
Otherwise, using the "Text" format from the Number format selection list
allows you to enter the numbers without dashes.

hope that helps.

 

[Guest]

Thank you very much. All options work well. Text option is best for my
purposes.