Forum Discussion
How do I add "1" before phone numbers on excel
mathetes So if I wanted to change the number from (352) 123-4567 to 1(352)123-4567, then I type the following: "1"(352)123-4567? I tried that and it did not work
Sorry. I guess I wasn't clear enough. First, are your phone numbers saved as text or as numbers? That's the first thing we have to determine.
The adding of a "1" in front of the phone number by typing it only applies if the phone numbers themselves are saved as text values, and even then it takes place in a formula, not just by typing it in.
I gave you one way to make that determination of whether it's text or numeric data.
IF they are text, THEN you need a formula that concatenates (combines) the text "1" or "1 " (one with a space following it) with the textual phone number. That would be in a separate cell, generally the adjacent cell, and the formula would be ="1 "&A4 (where A4 is the cell with the original--needing to be changed--phone number. Here's a link to a helpful reference to concatenation, which can be accomplished via several different routes; the one I gave is the simplest in many ways.
If they're numeric, then it's by means of special formatting.
Is it possible for you to post a copy of a small sample of the file you're working with? Put it on OneDrive or GoogleDrive with a link here that grants access. Make it as anonymous as possible (e.g., no real names; and ideally modify the phone numbers ever so slightly to false numbers)