Help! Excel keeps removing the first zero

[Maria]

I am trying to create a data sheet in Excel, and when I
enter in an SKU number that begins with a zero (ex.
01234) Excel just removes the first zero. I need that
zero! How do I get it to stop doing that?

 

[Chicago]

If you want to keep the zero, then format that cell or
cells to be text.

On toolbar, select format, then cell, then number tab, and
scroll down and select text.

 

[Gord Dibben]

Maria

1. Either pre-format the cell(s) as Text or precede the number with an
apostrophe.

e.g. '001234

Note: this number will be text and cannot be used in calculations, but I
don't think that will matter in your case.

2. Enter 1234 then Custom Format as 00000 so's it appears as 01234 but is
really 1234.

Gord Dibben Excel MVP

 

[Maria]

Thanks a MILLION! I was just about to go crazy! I
couldn't figure out how to do that!

 

[Guest]

THANK YOU I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THE ANSWER FOR MONTHS