Chapter 2: Number formats
Exercise 9: Show 0 as "-"
Task
Rows of zeros make the table hard to read. Add thousands separators and show 0 as "-".
Moves 0 (target 1)7 difference(s) from the model
File
Font
Alignment
Number
Styles
Cells
A1Press and release Alt to show KeyTips (Windows). Ctrl + 1 opens Format Cells, Ctrl + Z undoes.
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Apr | May | |
| 2 | Notebook | 1200 | 0 | |
| 3 | Pen | 0 | 800 | |
| 4 | File | 0 | 0 | |
| 5 | Sticky notes | 2500 | 1500 | |
| 6 | ||||
| 7 |
Rows of zeros make the table hard to read. Add thousands separators and show 0 as "-".
This drill is for computer screens. On a phone you can review the steps.
- Select B2:C5
- Home > Comma Style (Alt → H → K)
- Another way: Custom format #,##0;-#,##0;"-"
Key takeaway
A blank cell looks like missing data. A "-" shows that 0 was entered.
See how to hide zeros for details.