how do I change default decimal places?

[Jason]

I have a user with an incorrect default cell format in Excel. His
default number of decimal places for a cell with numbers is set to 4
instead of 2. I have no idea how he caused this and I have no idea how
to correct it. In case I'm being ambiguous, here is the procedure:
Open a new Excel workbook, choose any cell and go to Format. In the
Format Cell dialog box go to the Number tab and choose the Number
category. The Decimal Places box will be set to 2 by default but in
this user's Excel it is set to 4. How do I get it back to the default
of 2?

 

[xLBaron]

Try going into:

Tools ~> Options ~> Edit tab.

Look at "Fixed Decimal" and adjust the "Places" to what you wish excel
to default to.

Regards ...

 

[Bob Phillips]

Maybe check the Regional Settings in the Control Panel.

--

HTH

Bob Phillips

(replace xxxx in the email address with gmail if mailing direct)

 

[Jason]

I've tried that and it doesn't work

 

[xLBaron]

After ...

Tools ~> Options ~> Edit tab.
Look at "Fixed Decimal" and adjust the "Places" to what you wish excel
to default to.

Close Excel and restart

 

[Gord Dibben]

Baron

Have you tried your advice?

Set the Fixed Decimal Places to 2 then enter the number 125 in a cell.

What happens with the 125?

The Fixed Decimal Places option is not where you set the default for decimal
places in numbers.

FDP is a feature which allows you to enter numbers without entering a decimal
point.

i.e. you want to enter 1.25 without bothering to hit the decimal point. A
shortcut used by accountants mostly.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

 

[Jason]

I was just working with the user and I have an update. When I go to
Format Cells, Number tab and click Number I see 4 in the Decimal Places
box. If I then click Custom I see 0.0000 in the Type box. I can click
Delete and the 0.0000 disappears. If I then choose 0.00 and click OK
when I open Format Cells again 2 is in the Decimal Places box. Now when
I go to Custom the 0.0000 is back. I am convinced that the 0.0000 in
Custom is what is screwing me up but I have no clue how to get it to a.
not be the default and b. permanently delete it.