How to Stop Excel from Changing Numbers to Scientific Notation (7 Methods)

Dataset Overview

Looking at the Sales Data in cells B4:D14, where we have the Customer Name, Invoice Number, and Sales in USD. The Invoice Number, comprised of 13 digits, is stored in scientific notation by default, as seen in Column C (refer to the following image). However, our aim is to present these as standard numbers and prevent Excel from converting them to scientific notation.

Method 1 – Using Format Cells Option

Make a copy of the Invoice Number column.
Select the D5:D14 cells.
Press CTRL + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog.

Go to the Number tab and set Decimal places to 0.
Click OK.

The results will be as shown below:

Method 2 – Utilizing UPPER Function

In cell D5, enter the formula:

=UPPER(C5)

Here, C5 contains the Invoice Number.

Use the Fill Handle to copy the formula down.

The result will display as regular numbers.

Method 3 – Applying TRIM Function

In cell D5, enter the formula:

=TRIM(C5)

In this formula, the C5 cell represents the Invoice Number.

The TRIM function converts scientific notation to regular numbers.

Method 4 – Employing CONCATENATE Function

In cell D5, enter:

=CONCATENATE(C5)

Here, the C5 cell points to the Invoice Number.

This prevents Excel from using scientific notation.

Method 5 – Inserting a Leading Apostrophe

Copy the Invoice Number from C5 and paste it into D5.
Add a leading apostrophe (e.g., ‘1234567890123).

Repeat for other cells.

Method 6 – Adjusting Width of Column

Double-click the column header (e.g., column B) to autofit the width.

This ensures proper display of numbers.

Method 7 – Using Text to Columns Wizard

Highlight the D5:D14 cells.
Go to the Data tab.
Click the Text to Columns button.

In the Text to Columns wizard, choose the Fixed width option.
Click Next.

Click Next again to proceed to the next page.

Choose the Text option.
Press Finish.

Excel may show an error; you can safely ignore it by clicking Ignore Error.

The results should now display regular numbers instead of scientific notation.

Things to Remember

As a note, you should keep this in mind when changing a number from scientific notation to a regular number.

The UPPER, TRIM, and CONCATENATE functions handle a maximum of 20 digits before converting to scientific notation.
Adjusting column width works for 11 or fewer digits when there’s insufficient space to display all digits.

Practice Section

We have provided a Practice section on the right side of each sheet so you can practice yourself.