How to Type Minus Sign in Excel Without Formula (6 Methods)

This tutorial will illustrate simple methods of how to type minus sign in Excel without a formula. Suppose we are trying to type a minus sign in a cell. In that case, Excel considers it as a formula. So, we get an error in return. To solve this problem we will see how we can type minus sign in Excel. But, we will do it without using any formula.

How to Type Minus Sign in Excel Without Formula: 6 Methods

Throughout this article, we will show 6 simple methods to type minus sign in Excel without a formula. To explain these methods, we will use the following dataset. In the dataset, we have 5 numbers. Using different methods, we will type minus signs before them. In some examples, we will create a new column containing the numbers with a minus sign. But, in other examples, we will overwrite the existing values with minus signs.

1. Apply Insert Tab to Type Minus Sign in Excel Without Formula

First and foremost, we will use the Insert tab to type the minus sign in Excel without a formula. In the following dataset, we’ll insert the minus sign to type the numbers in the range B5:B8 into the range C5:C8.

STEPS:

• To begin with, select cell C5.

• Go to the Insert tab.
• From the Symbols section of the ribbon, select Symbol.

• A new dialogue box named Symbol will appear.
• Select the Mathematical Operators in the Subset section.
• Then, select the symbol Minus Sign.

• The above command will input a minus in cell C5.

• After that, type 7 in cell C5.

• Finally, insert the minus sign in the same way for the other values.

Read More: How to Type Math Symbols in Excel

2. Insert Minus Sign in Excel Without Formula Using Single Quote

In the second method, we will insert the minus sign in Excel using a single quote before any number.

STEPS:

• First, type -7 in cell C5.
• Add a single quote before it.

• Press Enter.
• We can see an error in cell C5.
• Next, click on the small icon left.
• Then, select the option Convert to Number.

• The above command returns the value of cell B5 with a minus sign.

• After that, repeat the above steps for all the values.
• So, we get results like the following image.

Read More: How to Put a Plus Sign in Excel without Formula

3. Add Custom Formatting to Type Minus Sign Without Excel Formula

Adding custom formatting is very convenient if we want to type minus signs in Excel without a formula. In the following dataset, we will insert the minus sign before the existing numeric values.

STEPS:

• Firstly, select range B5:B8.
• Right-click on the selected region. Select the option Format Cells.

• A new dialogue box named Format Cells will appear.
• In the dialogue box go to the Number tab.
• Select the option Custom from the Category section.
• Next, in the Type input field insert -#,###, #,###. This will give us a preview of the output in the Sample section.
• Then, click on OK.

• Lastly, we can see our desired result in the following image.

Read More: How to Insert Greater Than or Equal to Symbol in Excel

4. Excel Paste Special Multiplication for Typing Minus Sign

In this method, we’ll use the value multiplication from the Paste Special command to type the minus sign in Excel. In the following dataset, we can see the value of the multiplier is -1.

STEPS:

• Select cell D5 and press Ctrl + C to copy that value.

• Select range B5:B8 and right-click on the mouse.
• Then, select the option Paste Special.

• Paste Special dialogue box will appear.
• After that, check the option Multiply from the Operation section.
• Now, click on OK.

• As a result, we get minus signs before all the values.

Read More: How to Use Multiply Sign in Excel

5. Type Minus Sign in Excel Without Formula Using Flash Fill Feature

Flash Fill can detect a data pattern and fill cells with data following that pattern. In this method, we will use Flash Fill to type minus sign in Excel without a formula. To do this we will follow the below steps.

STEPS:

• To begin with, type the desired value of cell B5 in cell C5 with a minus sign.

• In addition, select cell C6.
• Press Ctrl + E.
• The above action fills the range C6:C10.
• Click the small icon left.
• Select the option Accept suggestions.

• In the end, we get numeric values with minus signs before them.

Read More: How to Add Symbol Before a Number in Excel

6. Apply VBA Code to Type Minus Sign in Excel Without Formula

If you are an advanced Excel user, you can use VBA to type minus sign in Excel. Using VBA has been always quick and easy to accomplish a task in Excel.

STEPS:

• Select range B5:B8.

• Go to the Developer tab.
• Select the option Visual Basic from the ribbon.

• A new VBA project window will open.
• In that window, right-click on the active sheet named Sheet7 (VBA).
• Then, select Insert > Module.

• A new VBA code window will open.
• Insert the following code in that code window.

Sub TypeMinusSign()
For Each Cell In Selection
If Cell.Value > 0 Then
Cell.Value = -Cell.Value
End If
Next Cell
End Sub

• Now, click on OK or press the F5 key to run the code.

• We can see minus signs before the selected numbers in our dataset.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this tutorial demonstrates 6 simple methods to type minus sign in Excel without a formula. Download the practice worksheet contained in this article to put your skills to the test. If you have any questions, please leave a comment in the box below. Our team will try to respond to your message as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for more inventive Microsoft Excel solutions in the future.

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