Like most computer apps (COBOL is an exception), Excel uses the IEEE
convention for storing decimal numbers (numbers based on the fact we have 10
fingers) as binary numbers (computer memory has two states: on and off).
This results in a limitation on the number of digits that can be stored -
15.
But are you working with real numbers? Things like ISBN, telephone, etc
numbers re really not numbers in the sense that we never do math on them. In
this case you have two workarounds:
a) before entering the value format the cell as text
OR
b) preface the value with single quote (apostrophe) - this will neither
display nor print (visible only in the formula bar)
Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?
You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.