Converting text into number

**Mula** · 08-26-2009, 06:50 AM

Hello,
I have a long number: 030809106601002028
and I would like to keep it exactly as it is, as a number, without changing it into a text. If I put it as a number, excel sets it to: 30809106601002000

Could someone please have a look at this?
Thank you

**Ron Coderre** · 08-26-2009, 06:59 AM

Excel has a numeric precision of 15 decimal places. Not enough to accommodate your 30 quadrillion number. Consequently, using text-formatting is your only option.

**Mula** · 08-26-2009, 07:00 AM

Thank you Ron. Can't I customize this number so that it accepts 18 digits?

**Ron Coderre** · 08-26-2009, 08:45 AM

It's an Excel limit, not a setting.

For more information, search Excel help for:
Excel specifications and limits

**Sniper** · 08-27-2009, 07:43 AM

Right Click on the cell, Format Cells, Number, Custom --> insert "0"# in Type.

**DonkeyOte** · 08-27-2009, 07:48 AM

Sniper, I think that's missing the fundamental point, ie the issue is not to preserve leading zeroes rather it is the fact XL only stores to precision of 15 digits - ie 30809106601002028 becomes 30809106601002000