We frequently round Excel numbers to make them easier to understand. However, when working with sensitive data, it can be inaccurate. Simple fractional changes can have a significant impact on the entire project. So, in this tutorial, we will show you how to stop Excel from rounding up decimals.
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4 Simple Methods to Stop Excel from Rounding Up Decimals
We’ve provided a data set in the image below that shows rounded numbers to two decimal places, though our actual numbers go up to five decimal places. We’ll use Excel basics like adjusting column width, changing the number format, and customizing the Format Cell box to stop Excel from rounding up the decimals.
1. Adjust Column Width to Stop Excel from Rounding Up Decimals
Excel may not display the numbers in full decimals due to a lack of column width. It could appear as a rounded number or as a (###) sign. To get the number in whole decimals, you need to adjust the column width.
⇒ Steps: Adjust Column Width
- Click, hold, and drag in the column margin until the number appears in full decimal format.
- Or, simply double-click the column margin to make changes.
Read More: 5 Possible Solutions for the Problems with Excel Decimal Places
2. Alter Number Format to Stop Excel from Rounding Up Decimals
For large numbers, if the number is in General Format, Excel will not display the number in full decimal. It will appear as if we are showing the scientific number, as shown in the image below. The number format should be changed from General to the Number.
⇒ Steps: Change Cell Format
- From the Number Group, select the Number format instead of General.
- As a result, you’ll notice that the numbers are displayed in their entirety.
Read More: How to Remove Decimals in Excel with Rounding (10 Easy Methods)
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3. Utilize Format Cells Dialog Box to Stop Excel from Rounding Up Decimals
You can select how many digits to display the numbers from the Format Cells box. So, you can type the number of decimal places you want to see from there. Furthermore, it will apply to all types of numbers, such as accounting and currency.
⇒ Steps: Utilize Format Cells Box
- Select the cells you want to show the numbers in full decimals.
- Press Ctrl + 1  to open the Format Cell box.
- From the Number tab, choose any of the number categories (Number, Accounting, or Currency).
- In the Decimal Places box, type the number of decimal places (5).
- In the Sample box, you can see a preview of the change.
- Then, click OK.
- Therefore, the number will show up to the 5 decimal places.
- For currency, choose the Currency from the Number tab.
- Type the decimal place number in the Decimal places box.
- You can choose a preferred currency sign ($=USD) from the Symbol box.
- Finally, press Enter.
- As a result, the number will be displayed with 5 decimal places and the USD ($)Â symbol.
Read More: How to Stop Excel from Rounding Large Numbers (3 Easy Methods)
4. Stop Excel from Rounding Up Decimals for More Than 15 Digits
Excel does not allow digits after 15 digits to be displayed by default. After 15 digits, it displays zero (0) for the last digits. Follow the steps outlined below to display the full number with more than 15 digits.
⇒ Steps: Add an Apostrophe
- After adding the apostrophe (‘) sign before the number, type the number.
- Press Enter.
- To eliminate the error, click on the left-hand icon for the error.
- Click on the Ignore Error option from the list.
- Finally, the number will appear in its entirety.
Read More: How to Stop Rounding in Excel (5 Handy Ways)
Conclusion
I hope this article has given you a tutorial about how to stop Excel from rounding up decimals. All of these procedures should be learned and applied to your dataset. Take a look at the practice workbook and put these skills to the test. We’re motivated to keep making tutorials like this because of your valuable support.
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