When working with Excel, you might come across the need to remove decimals from your numbers. This could be for a variety of reasons, such as simplifying data or preparing it for presentation. Luckily, Excel offers several ways to achieve this. Below is a quick overview of how to remove decimals in Excel.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Remove Decimals in Excel
Removing decimals in Excel is a straightforward process. The following steps will guide you through the process of formatting cells to display numbers without decimals.
Step 1: Select the cells you want to format
Click and drag your mouse over the cells that contain the decimal numbers you want to modify.
Selecting the right cells is crucial because any formatting changes will apply only to the selected cells. Make sure you include all the cells you want to change in your selection.
Step 2: Right-click and select ‘Format Cells’
After selecting the cells, right-click on the highlighted area and choose ‘Format Cells’ from the drop-down menu.
The ‘Format Cells’ dialog box is where you can change the appearance of your data without altering the actual data itself.
Step 3: In the ‘Number’ tab, click on ‘Number’
In the ‘Format Cells’ dialog box, go to the ‘Number’ tab and select ‘Number’ from the list of categories.
The ‘Number’ category allows you to set the number of decimal places you want to display, which is the key to removing decimals.
Step 4: Set the decimal places to ‘0’ and click ‘OK’
Under the ‘Decimal places’ option, set the value to ‘0’. This will remove all decimal places. Then, click ‘OK’ to apply the changes.
By setting the decimal places to zero, Excel will round the numbers to the nearest whole number and display them without any decimal points.
After completing these steps, the selected cells will now display the numbers without any decimal places. The actual value of the numbers will remain unchanged, but they will appear as whole numbers in your spreadsheet.
Tips for Removing Decimals in Excel
- Make sure you only select the cells that you want to change, as formatting will apply to all selected cells.
- If you need to keep the original values with decimals, consider making a copy of the data before formatting.
- Remember that removing decimals will round the numbers, which could affect calculations if you’re using the data in formulas.
- You can use the same ‘Format Cells’ dialog box to add decimals back in if you need to reverse the process.
- Excel also allows you to use the ‘Decrease Decimal’ button on the Home tab to quickly remove decimals, but this method gives you less control over the formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove decimals without rounding in Excel?
To remove decimals without rounding, you can use the ‘INT’ function, which will truncate the number to the nearest whole number without rounding.
Can I remove decimals from formulas in Excel?
Yes, you can format the cells containing formulas to display the results without decimals, just like any other cell.
Is it possible to remove decimals from multiple sheets at once?
Yes, you can select multiple sheets by holding down Ctrl while clicking on the sheet tabs, then format cells on all selected sheets simultaneously.
Will removing decimals in Excel affect my data?
No, formatting cells to display without decimals does not alter the actual data. The underlying values will still contain decimals until you use a function to change them.
How can I quickly apply the ‘No Decimals’ format to new cells?
You can create a custom cell style with no decimals and apply it to new cells as needed, saving you time in the future.
Summary
- Select the cells you want to format.
- Right-click and select ‘Format Cells’.
- In the ‘Number’ tab, click on ‘Number’.
- Set the decimal places to ‘0’ and click ‘OK’.
Conclusion
Removing decimals in Excel is a simple task that can make your data cleaner and easier to read. Whether you’re preparing a financial report or just want to simplify your numbers, knowing how to remove decimals can save you time and effort. By following the step-by-step tutorial above, you’ll be able to quickly adjust your numbers to display without any pesky decimals.
Just remember that while the display of your data may change, the underlying values remain the same unless you use a function to alter them. This means you can present your data in a more digestible format without losing the precision of your original calculations. And if you ever need to revert back to showing decimals, Excel makes it just as easy to add them back in.
For anyone regularly using Excel, mastering these formatting skills is a must. It not only helps in presenting data more effectively but also ensures that you maintain the integrity of your data. So, go ahead and give it a try – your spreadsheets will look cleaner and more professional in no time. And should you need to delve deeper into Excel’s capabilities, there’s a wealth of functions and formulas waiting to be explored. Happy Excelling!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.