Forum Discussion
How to change sign of column of numbers -- Hopefully trivial Excel question
I have a column of ordinary numbers all of which are negative.
All I want to do is to change the sign of all of the numbers.
I know I can create a new column with a simple formula like =- or =-1* or =ABS,
but then I am left with a reference to the orginal column that I plan to delete.
I just want the resulting positive value in the new column.
This has to be trivial, but I cannot find the answer. Please help
Enter -1 in an empty cell.
Select this cell and copy it (Ctr+C).
Select the negative numbers.
Right-click in the selection and select Paste Special... from the context menu, or press Ctrl+Alt+V.
Select Multiply, then click OK.
Repeat if you have more ranges with negative numbers.
When you're done, you can clear the cell in which you entered -1.
2 Replies
Enter -1 in an empty cell.
Select this cell and copy it (Ctr+C).
Select the negative numbers.
Right-click in the selection and select Paste Special... from the context menu, or press Ctrl+Alt+V.
Select Multiply, then click OK.
Repeat if you have more ranges with negative numbers.
When you're done, you can clear the cell in which you entered -1.
- Hans, Thanks for the tip.
It's simple and works.
