bonbonbon_jazz
asked on
Overlapping Text vs. ### in Excel
This is probably a very basic Excel question, but I just can't find the answer anywhere! If I type a word into cell A1 and make column A very narrow, the text overlaps into cell B1 (which is what I want). Now if I add a number to cell A2, it does not overlap into cell B2 but shows up as ###. What is the difference in the formatting of these two cells? Thanks!
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ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
Thanks to both of you! It is a word in cell A1 and a number in cell A2. However, even when I format the number in A2 as "text", it still gives me ###. I have uploaded an example at: https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/ee-stuff/3010-Example.zip
ASKER
I've just noticed that if I put a ' in front of the number, it will overlap. Do I have to do this to all the numbers, even if they're formatted as "text"? Is this normal?
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bonbonbon_jazz,
Since my comment built on xanius' observation that numbers do behave differently from text, I think that the points should have been split in this case. I am hoping that you will agree, and (acting in my capacity as Zone Advisor) have reopened the question.
The links to split the points are located in each Comment, and labelled "Accept Multiple Solutions".
Brad
Since my comment built on xanius' observation that numbers do behave differently from text, I think that the points should have been split in this case. I am hoping that you will agree, and (acting in my capacity as Zone Advisor) have reopened the question.
The links to split the points are located in each Comment, and labelled "Accept Multiple Solutions".
Brad
ASKER
OK, I've split up the points per your suggestion. Thanks again!
>Kevin, I think you're wrong this time
I was absolutely wrong. I read "Now if I add a number to cell A2" as "Now if I add the same text to cell A2".
I don't deserve any points for this. If anything I should have points taken away!
Kevin
I was absolutely wrong. I read "Now if I add a number to cell A2" as "Now if I add the same text to cell A2".
I don't deserve any points for this. If anything I should have points taken away!
Kevin
bonbonbon_jazz,
Thanks for being so understanding about splitting the points.
I post in a lot of questions, often times after other experts have already asked the key questions to determine the underlying problem. They would be justifiably riled if I made a habit of snagging the points at the last moment, so a split is absolutely the right way to handle the matter.
Brad
Thanks for being so understanding about splitting the points.
I post in a lot of questions, often times after other experts have already asked the key questions to determine the underlying problem. They would be justifiably riled if I made a habit of snagging the points at the last moment, so a split is absolutely the right way to handle the matter.
Brad
I presume the developers of excel have considered the possibility of misinterpretation not fully displayed numbers as too error prone to allow for it; e.g.
"-1,000" could look like "1,000" if the cell isjust a little too small,
whereas the possibility of misinterpreting text is much smaller.
Cheers
Xanius