By default, Microsoft Excel rounds numbers to a predefined number of decimal places. This feature is helpful when you require precision in your calculations. However, there may be instances where this rounding off is not desirable. In this article, we will explore how to disable the rounding off feature in Excel.
Understanding Decimal Places in Excel
In Excel, numbers are rounded automatically to fit into the cell. To see the actual number stored in a cell, you can increase the column width or decrease the font size. If you want to change the number of displayed decimal places, you can do this by adjusting the cell’s format. But remember, this doesn’t change the actual number stored in the cell.
Disabling Rounding in Excel
Excel does not have a direct option to turn off rounding. But you can use these methods to prevent Excel from automatically rounding numbers.
Method 1: Change the Cell Format
To prevent Excel from rounding numbers, you can change the cell format to text before entering or pasting the number into the cell. Here’s how to do it:
- Select the cell where you want to enter the number.
- In the Home tab, in the Number group, click the arrow next to the Number Format box, and then click Text.
- Now enter or paste your number into the cell. The number will not be rounded off.
Method 2: Use the Excel Precision as Displayed Option
Excel has a feature named “Precision as displayed” under Excel options. It forces Excel to change the actual number in each cell to the number as it is displayed on the screen. Here’s how to use it:
- Click on the File tab and then click on Options.
- Click on the Advanced tab and scroll down to the “When calculating this workbook” section.
- Check the box “Set precision as displayed”.
- Click OK.
Note: Please be aware that this method changes the stored value in the cell, not just the display. Thus, it may impact your calculations.
Method 3: Use Excel Formulas
You can also use Excel formulas to prevent rounding in Excel. The TEXT function can convert a numeric value to text and keep a specific number of decimal places.
The formula to use is:
=TEXT(A1, "0.00000")
In this formula, A1 is the cell you want to prevent from rounding, and “0.00000” is the number format that tells Excel to keep five decimal places.
Conclusion
While Excel does not have a direct option to turn off rounding, you can use the above methods to prevent Excel from auto-rounding numbers. Remember to choose the method that best fits your needs, considering the impact on your calculations. Stay tuned for more Excel tips and tricks!