How to Put 0 in Front of Number in Excel

If you have ever worked with Microsoft Excel, you might have noticed that sometimes you need to add a “0” in front of a number. This can happen when you want to properly format a column with zip codes, phone numbers, or any other information that requires a fixed number of digits. For beginners, this might seem like a daunting task, but it is actually quite simple. In this blog post, we will show you how to put a “0” in front of a number in Excel using two different methods.

Method 1: Use Custom Number Formats

The first method to put a “0” in front of a number in Excel is to use custom number formats. This method allows you to change the appearance of the cell without changing the actual value. Follow the steps below to use custom number formats:

Step 1: Select the Cells

Select the cells that you want to format. You can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + A to select all the cells in the sheet.

Step 2: Open the Format Cells Dialog Box

Right-click on the selected cells and choose “Format Cells” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + 1 to open the “Format Cells” dialog box.

Step 3: Select the Custom Number Format

In the “Format Cells” dialog box, click on the “Custom” category from the list on the left. In the “Type” text box, enter the number of zeros you want to add in front of the number, followed by the format code that corresponds to the number type. For example, if you want to add one zero in front of a zip code, enter “0#####”.

Step 4: Apply the Format

Click “OK” to apply the custom number format to the selected cells. Now, all the cells will display the “0” in front of the number, but the actual value will remain the same.

Method 2: Use the CONCATENATE Function

The second method to put a “0” in front of a number in Excel is to use the CONCATENATE function. This method allows you to combine the “0” and the number into a new cell. Follow the steps below to use the CONCATENATE function:

Step 1: Create a New Column

Create a new column next to the column that contains the numbers you want to format. This column will hold the formatted numbers.

Step 2: Enter the CONCATENATE Function

In the first cell of the new column, enter the following formula: =CONCATENATE(“0”, A1), where “A1” is the first cell of the original column. This formula will add the “0” in front of the number in cell A1.

Step 3: Autofill the Formula

Click on the lower right corner of the cell that contains the formula and drag it down to the last cell of the column. This will autofill the formula for all the cells in the column.

These are the two methods to put a “0” in front of a number in Excel. Whether you choose the custom formats method or the concatenate function method, the result will be the same: a properly formatted column with the “0” in front of the number. With this knowledge, you can now format your data like a pro!

Why Should You Put a “0” in Front of Numbers in Excel?

Adding a “0” in front of numbers in Excel is important in certain situations, especially when you are dealing with data that requires a fixed number of digits. For example, zip codes, phone numbers, and social security numbers have a certain number of digits that must be entered correctly. If the numbers are not formatted properly, it can cause errors in calculations or prevent data from being sorted correctly. By using custom number formats or the CONCATENATE function to add the “0”, you can ensure that your data is properly formatted and easy to read.

Other Custom Number Format Examples

Custom number formats can be used for a variety of purposes in Excel. Here are a few more examples:

Currency Format with Parentheses

If you want to show negative values in parentheses instead of with a minus sign, use this custom format: $#,##0.00;($#,##0.00).

Date Format with Custom Text

If you want to include custom text in a date column, use this custom format: “Today is” dddd, mmmm dd, yyyy

Scientific Notation Format

If you want to display large or small numbers in scientific notation, use this custom format: 0.00E+00.

By using the methods outlined in this article, you can easily add a “0” in front of numbers in Excel and format your data like a pro. Custom number formats and the CONCATENATE function are powerful tools that can be used to format data in a variety of ways, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the right format for your data. With a little practice, you’ll be an Excel formatting master in no time!

FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions about adding a “0” in front of numbers in Excel:

Q: Is it possible to add a “0” in front of a number without changing the actual value?

A: Yes, you can use custom number formats to change the appearance of the cell without changing the actual value. This is a great option when you need to keep the original data intact.

Q: Can I add more than one “0” in front of a number?

A: Yes, you can add as many “0”s as you need. Simply enter the desired number of zeros in the custom number format.

Q: Can the CONCATENATE function be used for other formatting tasks?

A: Yes, the CONCATENATE function is a powerful tool that can be used for many formatting tasks, not just adding a “0” in front of numbers. For example, you can use it to combine text strings from different cells, or to add prefixes or suffixes to cells.

Q: How do I change the custom number format for multiple cells at once?

A: To change the custom number format for multiple cells at once, select all the cells you want to format, right-click and select “Format Cells,” and then enter the custom number format in the “Type” text box.

Q: Can I use custom number formats in Google Sheets?

A: Yes, Google Sheets also supports custom number formats. Simply select the cells you want to format, go to “Format” > “Number” > “More Formats” > “Custom Number Format,” and then enter the desired format code.