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johnmpace's avatar
johnmpace
Occasional Reader
Oct 09, 2025

Symbols

When I added a column for floor/level numbers to an existing sheet and I entered a number for the floor, a "Flag" symbol replaced the number 

 

excel
Formulas and Functions

1 Reply

  • Kidd_Ip's avatar
    Kidd_Ip
    MVP
    Oct 11, 2025

    Below are some cases of a Flag Symbol Might Appear:

    1. Conditional Formatting with Icon Sets
    • Excel may be using an icon set (like flags, arrows, or traffic lights) to visually represent values.
    • These icons can replace or overlay the actual number.

    Fix it:

    • Select the column with the flags.
    • Go to Home > Conditional Formatting > Manage Rules.
    • Look for any rule using Icon Sets.
    • Either edit the rule to show the number alongside the icon, or delete the rule.

     

    1. Custom Number Format
    • Someone might’ve applied a custom format that replaces numbers with symbols.

    Fix it:

    • Select the cell.
    • Right-click > Format Cells > Number tab.
    • Choose General or Number to reset formatting.

     

    1. Wingdings or Symbol Font
    • If the font is set to Wingdings, numbers will appear as symbols.

    Fix it:

    • Select the cell.
    • Go to Home > Font and change it to Calibri, Arial, or any standard font.

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