Negative numbers in Excel?

Let's assume your positive numbers are in column A.

1) Make a new column next to it (just insert it; you're gonna delete it when you're done).

2) In column B (the one next to A), let's say you're starting with cel B2 in order to negate what's in cel A2. In cel B2, type the following formula: =-(A2)

3) Now hover your cursor over cel B2 into the lower right corner until the cursor becomes a black cross. Select with the left mouse button and pull down the length of the column. You'll have your negative numbers but you're not done yet.

4) Now select everything in column B that you want to copy over to column A. E. g. not the header cel.

5) Select and click ctrl-C on your keyboard (that's to copy). Now go to column A (in our example, your data starts at cel A2). Right-click your mouse and select Paste Special. Under the paste area, select Values. Don't select or deselect anything else. Click OK.

6) You can now delete column B.

Make sure not to forget step #5 as otherwise you'll lose your data, both positive and negative.

Oh yeah, step #7 - bask in your awesomeness.

OMG! Now I know exactly where to go with all my Excel questions!!!

I'm usually fairly intuitive about how programs work, but this one escapes me.

Oh my gooodness, thank you so much! I already manually worked my way through the column I needed to edit.. but for future reference, I now know how to do this! You are very intelligent, Jespah!

Thank you. I've just been using the program almost every day since (eek) 1995. I still have problems with vbcode, though -- I really dislike it so don't ask me to make buttons or anything. But calculations I can do.

Glad to be o' assistance.

Jepah: I rarely join web sites, but I needed to thank you for this. I have been looking for this answer for many hours. I knew it would be simple as most things on Excel are, once you know the answer. I have bookmarked your site and registered as I join other commenters in feeling this will be my go to place. Thanks

Speaking of awesomeness, the author of this tip is iridescent, flaming awesome. Thank you so much, there are tips within this tip that will make my life so much easier. I will register with this website.

I have never been referred to as iridescent, flaming awesome before. Thank you. i'm gonna go put that on m'resume.

Thanks Jespah for your help :-*

Jespah,

That's not bad but there's a shorter way to do this.

- Highlight your cells
- Format them according to this picture:



It's done..

THANK YOU!!

You're welcome and please check out Timur's tip as well.

How to convert to negative in filtred database (Excel)?

Just format your result cells as follow:

- highlight the cells.
- click "number", "custom"
- put a minus sign before your number format.

Check here: