Excel numeric picture

**Squashman** · 01-15-2006, 07:39 PM

Trying to understand how to format my output so it puts a plus sign in front of positive numbers. But even when I copy and paste the example from Microsoft's website, Excel tells me it is an invalid formula.

Quote:

Adds a plus sign to a positive result, a minus sign to a negative result, or a space if the result is 0 (zero). For example, { = 100 - 90 \# +## } displays "+10", and { = 90 - 100 \# +## } displays "-10".

When I try those examples in Excel it gives me errors. Am I not suppose to use the Curly Braces?

Basically what I am trying to do is take the number in column B, subtract it from 200 and put a plus sign in front of it, if it is a positive number.
How do I change this formula so that the output will put a plus sign in front of the output.
=(B2-200)

Basically what I really want the output to do as well is print EVEN if the result is equal to zero, but I could live without that feature. So I would really like to have the output like this.
-10
EVEN
+10

**Glaswegian** · 01-16-2006, 03:31 AM

Hi Squash

It's the number format you need to change, not your formula. Try this custom format - enter it as it is here - no brackets required:

+###;-###;”EVEN”

Positive numbers get a "+", Negative numbers get a "-" and Zero numbers get "EVEN".

Does this help?

Regards

01-16-2006, 03:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
Glaswegian Moderator/ Rangemaster TSF Academy; Analyst, Security Team; Oor Wullie; TSF Surgeon and Resident Comic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Glasgow Posts: 25,566 OS: Win XP Pro SP3 / Win 7 Pro My System Blog Entries: 10	Hi Squash It's the number format you need to change, not your formula. Try this custom format - enter it as it is here - no brackets required: +###;-###;”EVEN” Positive numbers get a "+", Negative numbers get a "-" and Zero numbers get "EVEN". Does this help? Regards __________________ Iain - Defender of the Haggis and all things Scottish. I don't help by PM - post in the Forums. PC Safety & Security::PC running a bit slow?::Donate::Photographers Corner