Forum Discussion
When I paste a long number, Excel turns it into scientific notation and changes numbers.
Here's an example. I have a long number (it's from a license plate/bar code):
00100018320523710862
Whether I use my bar code software's export-excel function, or PASTE the number directly, here is what I get:
1.00018E+17 |
If I then format the cell as a number, I get:
100018320523710000 |
As you can see, I have lost the '0862' at the end of my number. Any ideas?
after pasting, click on the column, format cells, fraction and ok. That works for me. Keith Kargl
Hello Keith
Excel can only operate with 15 digits. Any digits beyond will be changed to 0.
Change the number format to Text.
- This does not work. When you change the number to text, you still get scientific notation.
In my experience, once the number is converted, you've lost the original number. If the cell is formatted as text prior to entering the number, you will retain the original value. If you have an existing .CSV file, you can use the Text Import Wizard (Data>Get External Data>From Text) to open the file, and set the column format as text during the import process, and it should retain the values as well.
That's by design, you may see up to 11 digits, see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2643223/long-numbers-are-displayed-incorrectly-in-excel
after pasting, click on the column, format cells, fraction and ok. That works for me. Keith Kargl
In modern Excel we have an option to disable such behaviour
If copy/paste the value from initial post it returns as
- On Mac - You can simply select a "special paste" by holding CTRL + CMD + V and choose "Text". This retains the long number form of the number.
I'm not sure what the hotkeys are for Windows, but essentially select the option for special paste (sometimes found in the top Edit menu next to File).- Excel Windows; Paste Special = Ctrl+alt+V
- I also have the same problem and tried all the possible formatting and never shows the original number. How do you get the money back?
You might also like to add your vote here
- would pre-formatting the column or row to "Number" do the trick?
No, due to the 15 digit limit for numbers in Excel
Mr. Orrell
yes you're right!
no matter how long the number - in the cell it will only show 15 digits - the rest being zeroes...
thanks
when you will save in database that time convert value into toString() like
Convert.toString(00100018320523710862)
then it will save original value in database.
Hi Keith Kargl
If you need detailed instructions, please see attached, in case you are familiar with the functionality in XL you will need to:
1- copy your long numbers into a .txt file. Save it somewhere on your machine (or in any cloud you can access it)
2- open XL, select from the "Data" menu the option "From Text/CSV". Search for your file and click "Import"
3- don't click on "Load", but choose "Transform Data", validate your Data Type states "Text" and then click on "Close & Load"
4- select all the cells that you need from the list, and do a Copy/ Paste Values.
DONE!
TS
- wow.. thank you for your solution. Worked wonder .. no exactly the same steps from #3 but import from text file and specify and text column fixed it.
Thanks, the only solution that works.
Worth noting that you do not first have to save your list of long numbers to a text file - you can just copy them to the clipboard.
Then, after placing your cursor at the location where you'd like to paste them, use the dropdown menu under the Paste icon in the ribbon, then choose "Use Text Import Wizard" then follow the same steps in terms of parsing and choosing column types as you would for importing from a text file.
Keith Kargl try use single quotes ' first and then paste your desired data
