Excel Does Not Display Negative Numbers

Understanding the Issue

If you're working with Excel and notice that negative numbers are not displaying as expected, you're not alone. This issue can be frustrating, especially when working with financial data or other calculations that require accurate representation of negative values. In this article, we'll explore the common reasons why Excel does not display negative numbers and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue.

One of the primary reasons for this issue is the formatting of the cells. If the cells are formatted to display only positive numbers or if the negative sign is not included in the formatting, Excel will not display the negative numbers correctly. Additionally, issues with the system settings, such as the regional settings or the Excel settings, can also cause this problem.

Solving the Problem

Understanding the Issue To troubleshoot the issue, it's essential to understand the underlying cause. Check the cell formatting and ensure that the negative sign is included in the formatting. You can do this by selecting the cells, right-clicking, and choosing 'Format Cells.' In the Format Cells dialog box, click on the 'Number' tab and select the 'Number' category. Make sure the 'Negative numbers' checkbox is selected and the negative sign is included in the formatting.

Solving the Problem Once you've identified the cause, solving the problem is relatively straightforward. If the issue is with the cell formatting, simply update the formatting to include the negative sign. If the issue is with the system settings, you may need to update the regional settings or the Excel settings. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and ensure that Excel displays negative numbers correctly. Remember to always check your work and verify that the negative numbers are displaying as expected to avoid any errors or inaccuracies in your calculations.