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Hifynn's avatar
Hifynn
Copper Contributor
Jun 02, 2025

Excel 365

Good day. 

I have used Excel for about 20 years now. A lot of what I was taught with formulas uses a comma in the formula. The version of Office 365 I have now when I try and use a comma in a formula Excel rejects it, I need to use the semicolon. As an example, =IF(B2>=E1;"yes";"no"). Before, I would use the comma where the semicolon now has to be. The problem I am having is a lot of material on the internet like YouTube the comma is still being used and changing the formula to use the semicolon is difficult. Why the change?

Many thanks.  

excel

1 Reply

  • HansVogelaar's avatar
    HansVogelaar
    MVP
    Jun 02, 2025

    This depends on your system settings and Excel settings.

    If your system uses comma as decimal separator (for example, one-and-a-half is written as 1,5), then you need to use a semicolon between the arguments of a function.

    If your system uses point (dot, period) as decimal separator (for example, one-and-a-half is written as 1.5), then you need to use a comma between the arguments of a function.

    You can specify this in the regional settings of your computer.

    In the desktop version of Excel for Windows, it is possible to customize the setting for Excel only. If your system uses comma as decimal separator, but you want to use point in Excel:

    • In Excel, select File > Options.
    • Select Advanced.
    • Clear the check box 'Use system separators'.
    • Enter a point in the 'Decimal separator' box.
    • Enter a comma in the 'Thousands separator' box.
    • Click OK.

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